An evaluation of the character of Achilles

 by Matthew Chedgey

Achilles (right) and Patroclus, c 500 BCE

It is widely considered Achilles was the greatest warrior amongst the Achaians. However, he is not a regular soldier as seen from the first pages of Homer’s The Iliad, Achilles is portrayed as proud and brave but also as vengeful and petty.As the book progresses, we see Achilles dramatically become much more like a spiteful child. But contrastingly towards the end of the epic, Achilles begins to radiate qualities which even by today’s standards  are very heroic. A prime example of this is when his closest friend (or boyfriend we do not truly know) is slain by Hector and we see a drastic change in his character. It seemed when Achilles confronted the true horror of death which he had placed on many of the Trojans, it is clear that Achilles set aside his immature attitude in order to avenge Patroclus and fulfil his deed to Patroclus, the Myrmidons (his compatriots) and arguably his own conscience. I believe it is worth noting that Achilles' motivation to fight was not for patriotism as had little respect for kings like Agamemnon and he effectively fought under his own flag which exhibits his unique personality as a warrior. Therefore, one could argue that the evolution of Achilles' character in the Iliad mirrors the transition from youth to adulthood/maturity.

In the first book of the Iliad ('Rage of Achilles') Agamemnon seizes Achilles' prize, Briseis, in order to reimburse his damaged pride from the landing of Troy. Even though Achilles is morally correct in asking Briseis to be returned to him, Achilles' rude and brash manner offends Agamemnon. On account of this, Achilles refuses to fight in the Trojan war any longer. However, after Briseis was taken, Achilles goes to the beach in order to cry his mother, the water nymph, Thetis. In my opinion, this is very comparable to how a small child would act in a similar way if they were denied something that they want. Therefore, in the first books of the Iliad Homer could be attempting to highlight the character of Achilles as one of a spoilt and bratty child.

Later in the book, the three ambassadors, Odysseus, Ajax and Phoenix confront Achilles to calm down and hinting that they perceive him to be a passionate young man raging at the unfairness of the world. Personally, I believe that Homer paints Odysseus to be a fatherly figure to Achilles because he wisely warns him of the grief that may come to many families if he refuses to fight. Phoenix, like Odysseus, rejects the advance with sternness - similar to the response an adolescent would give to their parents. However, the famous Ajax treats Achilles more like an equal than a brash youngster as he still intends to dissuade Achilles abstaining from the war. This approach worked most effectively with Achilles; however, he admitted he would still not fight due to his unprecedented rage towards Agamemnon. However, this engagement with this approach shows the adolescent trait of confiding and trust with their peers rather than their elders.

Towards the end of this epic, after the brutal death of Patroclus, we begin to see Achilles mature. Although his decision to avenge the death of Patroclus is mainly driven by vengeance, he shows self awareness at the idiocy of his rage and decides to do the grown up thing and tackle the problem head on. We also possibly see a sense of regret from Achilles as it could be argued if he was present in the war he could have prevented the savage death of Patroclus. This is the first time we see the changing of Achilles' character from an enraged youth to an adult. 

After Achilles kills Hector in a duel, the gods command Achilles to return his body to Priam when he comes to retrieve it. Achilles agrees which yet again shows his new found maturity as he realises that the anger he felt towards Hector was unnecessary. Therefore, when Priam comes to collect the body, Achilles treats him with the utmost respect and even gives Priam time to provide a suitable burial for Hector. This compassion presented by Achilles contrasts to his actions and mental state is seen throughout The Iliad as they have been filled with intentions to harm and destroy. Thus, this development of the character of Achilles is one who does not see the world through one of violence and hate but one of obligation to carry out his duties to the Achaians but also have compassion towards the enemy as he realises that they are humans too.