In the poem, the Iliad, many of the evens that are shown are based on honor and pride. The warriors in battle seem to base their decisions on how much respect would be given unto them if they act in a particular way. Two of the prevalent figures that possess this attitude are Achilles and Hector. What drives both fighters is the notion of an ambiguous set of noble rules called the "Heroic Code." This set of undefined rules is what Greek and Trojan warriors alike try to utilize when in battle. I will show in this paper that while both Achilles and Hector use the Heroic Code to shape their decisions, they act in distinctly different ways. This is because of their different interpretations of this undefined code. While Achilles is brutal in battle and callous to his emotions, Hector uses some emotion to shape his decisions.
Throughout the poem, Achilles is reminded of his destiny to be killed in battle and not return home to Greece. Although he senses his demise, Achilles does not remove himself from the battles because of his notion that he will be killed. While he does not start fighting until the end, it is only because of his anger against Agamemnon. After Achilles discovers that Patroclus is dead, he readily pursues combat. He tears through the Greek lines to get to the front of the battle and starts slaughtering every Trojan that walks in his path. It seems that according to Achilles" version of the Heroic Code, this revenge appears to correspond, although it seems that he possesses coldhearted rage to modern readers. To Achilles, his brutal vengeance relates completely with his notion of the Heroic Code.
In contrast, Hector sees his imminent death, but regrets having to face it. In book six, his wife, Andromache, predicts his death.
"Possessed is what you are, Hector. Your courage.
Is going to kill you, and you have no feeling left.
For your little boy of for me, the luckless woman.
