However, when looking in detail at both men, Odysseus and Achilles, Achilles has much more in common with Socrates than one would expect. Achilles was the most gifted Achaean to grace the battlefield. ... The Iliad paints the picture of Achilles, a self-centered, yet honorable man. ... After an argument with Agamemnon, Achilles withdraws from the Trojan War. ... After deciding to enter the war, Achilles effectively manages to beat death by entering the battle not being afraid, the very attribute that Socrates shares with Achilles. ...

• Word Count: 1319
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

"Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus' son Achilles/ and its devastation" (Homer 1.1-2). ... After having been offended by Achilles' suggestion at giving up his prize without fair compensation, Agamemnon declares that he will only give up Chryseis if in return he can have Achilles prize, Briseis. Knowing that he cannot refuse his kings request, Achilles does what he is told. ... It is not until book 16 that Patroklos finally confronts Achilles about his behavior and though he does not try to convince Achilles to join in battle, he asks only to allow his men to go forth and fight. ... W...

• Word Count: 1596
• Approx Pages: 6

Even Patroclus, suited in Achilles armor, does not phase Hector, but rather intrigues Hector and causes him to stay and fight with the one whom he thought was Achilles. ... Hector steals Achilles' armor off of Patroclus' dead body and almost acts as if he has killed the great Achilles himself to earn the armor, rather than just Patroclus. ... Regardless, once Hector has calmed down a bit, he realizes that he really is no match for Achilles. ... Later in the Iliad, Hector has another lapse in courage when he meets Achilles right outside the gates of Troy. Hector does not stand up and ...

• Word Count: 1579
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

One may believe that there is only one hero in the Iliad, Achilles. ... He helps mediate between Agamemnon and Achilles during their quarrel and often prevents them and other warriors from making rash decisions. In Book IX, Odysseus" eloquence reminds Achilles of his duty: What you must do is to keep a check on that proud spirit of yours; for a kind heart is a better thing than pride. ... The fact that Odysseus was sent to speak to Achilles shows that the Achaeans feel his abilities as a speaker and leader are as important as strength. ... He also distinguishes himself by valour and w...

• Word Count: 1707
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School