Priam and Achilles Journal Entry

Priam and Achilles

Journal Entry 1 - Priam and Achilles

As Priam approaches Achilles, one would not expect the compassionate reaction that was received. Until this point, Achilles was not known for compassion, but demonstrated a cold-hearted approach to the world. Achilles and Priam were in a power struggle. When they met diplomatically, it was a contest to see who had the most power. However, when Priam went to meet Achilles to regain the body of Hektor, he went as a fellow human and a father.

This scene is difficult to visualize. Priam is heartbroken over the loss of his son. He needs to go meet the man who not only killed his son, but who disrespectfully abused the corpse. This would fill anyone with rage and a desire for revenge. However, Priam demonstrates that he is the better leader by his actions. Priam approaches Achilles as a gentleman, regardless of the disrespect that he has been shown.

Priam approaches Achilles on an emotional, rather than a political level, He is humble and approaches Achilles as a suppliant, rather than as the King of Troy. Priam put his kingly role aside, even kissing the hands of Achilles, a respectful greeting. Priam comes to Achilles father to father and appeals to his weak spot as a parent. Priam emphasizes the common bond of fatherhood, rather than the power play of kings.

It was Priam's attitude and willingness to greet Achilles with respect, rather than revenge that accounts for the reaction that he receives. In the end, the two men share a kinship through mutual mourning and loss. Priam demonstrated that he was the more worthy king, as he was able to control his emotions and put his own feelings aside in the name of mutual grief. This was a good political move by Priam, as he demonstrated that he was not a rash, angry young man. It demonstrated a maturity and wisdom worthy of a ruler.

Journal Entry 2 - Why did Achilles dishonor Hector?

The death of Hektor is bloody and gruesome. Achilles acted out of rage over the killing of Patroklos. It was not enough to kill Hektor and then return him to his family for proper burial, dishonoring the body added additional insult to his actions. This act shows Achilles as an angry young man. However, when he comes to his senses and realizes that a family has been hurt, he demonstrates a greater maturity in his actions. The transition from a raging boy to a mourning man represents spiritual growth on the part of Achilles.

Disrespecting the body of Hektor also had another affect. Achilles may have felt that the death of Patroklos took away some of his power. By disrespecting the body of Hektor, he may have had an underlying motivation of attempting to regain his sense of power that was lost by diminishing the power of the opposition. Disrespecting the body of Hektor was also disrespectful to Hektor's family, who happened to be the king of Troy. It may have been a way of saying, "Look what I can do to you, and you can't stop me."