Who will soon be your widow. It won't be long .
Before the whole Greek army swarms and kills you." (6.327-431).
Hector knows that when he enters into battle, that he will not return, but unlike Achilles, Hector has second thoughts about it. Even though these thoughts do not lead him to do otherwise, he still regrets having to leave his wife and child.
"Yes, Andromache, I worry about all this myself,.
But my shame before the Trojans and their wives,.
With their long robes trailing, would be too terrible.
If I hung back from battle like a coward." (6.463-466).
Although Hector eventually returns to fighting, his reluctance shows that his version of the vague Heroic Code allows room for emotions.
Compared to Hector's love for his family, Achilles does not show any emotion toward the girl he won in battle when she is taken by Agamemnon. Although Achilles does shed tears when she is taken away, it is not because he really loves her. .
.
"Olympian Zeus was supposed to grant me honor.
Well, he hasn't given me any at all. Agamemnon.
Has taken away my prize and dishonored me." (1.368-370).
It is evident that the reason Achilles is offended is because his pride is hurt. He calls Briseis his "prize." There is never any emotion coming from Achilles that makes the reader believe he is hurt because he really loves her. It is this rage that Achilles shows toward Agamemnon for disrespecting him that leads Achilles to stay out of the war. This sort of action seems to be part of Achilles" Heroic Code. Achilles feels that because his honor was hurt, Agamemnon should suffer by not having him in battle.
The last battle scene between Achilles and Hector shows how each individual makes use of their own Heroic Code to support their actions. Although both men are very similar in admiration and reputation to their own people, there are very distinct character traits that separate the two in this ending battle.
