Homer's Iliad and its literary significance

Homer's The Iliad proves to be insightful reading because even today, it represents the nature of man through the Achilles and Hektor. Both of these men are heroes but they have very different characters and it is interesting to see how they develop throughout the poem. Hektor is torn between loyalty to his family and his duty to his country. Achilles allows himself to be driven by anger, which makes for a good, but emotional, warrior. They are both heroes but they are different and this allows us to appreciate the differences of man.

Hektor is a compassionate hero that is compelled by the well being of his family. When his wife expresses concern for him when going up against the Trojans, he actually considers staying behind for them but his sense of duty to country finally wins him over. He tells her that he would feel "deep shame / before the Trojans . . . If like a coward I were to shrink aside from fighting" (Homer VI.441-3). Here we can see that he is at least compassionate enough to explain to his wife what he is feeling and why. Achilles is also a hero but he is very different fro Hektor in that he does not have a strong sense of family ties. He has "swift feet" (I.148) and a swift temper as well. Achilles is bloodthirsty and prideful, two characteristics that can lead to trouble if one is not careful. Achilles also gives into acts of revenge, allowing his heart to be clouded and he never lets his anger go long enough to be content.