Aristotle's statement that the man who has no need for others is no part of the community describes Achilles in The Iliad very well. As Aristotle would agree, Achilles" determination to rely on the aide of no one but himself is something that only a god could achieve successfully. Although Achilles is the greatest warrior in the Achaean army, his most harmful flaws are his excessive pride and anger and results in not only the harm of an entire army, but also the death of those who are closest to him. .
We are introduced to the rage of Achilles in the very first book of the epic. Achilles is enraged when Agamemnon insists that he be repaid with Achilles" prize after Agamemnon's has to be returned. Achilles overreacts and announces that he is withdrawing his troops from the battle and returning to his country without even considering the harm that will be done to the Achaeans. Although Agamemnon's actions can be perceived as disrespect towards Achilles as a leader and warrior, Achilles still reacts with selfishness. .
Achilles" pride gets in the way of the success of his army again in Book IX when Agamemnon tries to reconcile with Achilles by offering him gifts if he and his troops will return to the war. Achilles refuses by saying that he cannot be bought and that nothing can make up for the public insult that Agamemnon commited against him. Achilles" desire for revenge takes over and Achilles is no longer concerned with anyone but.
himself and ultimately results in the death of Achilles" best friend Patroclus, himself, and the fall of Troy. .
Achilles" childish rage results in the death of his most loyal friend, Patroclus, when Patroclus makes an unsuccessful attempt to convence Achilles to rejoin the war. Achilles wants to rejoin, however he cannot put aside his pride. Patroclus then takes matters into his own hands and joins in the battle on Achilles" behalf.
