Book VI - X of Illiad

Create an insightful Character Analysis for ACHILLES as illustrated in books 7-12.

• What kind of warrior was he, especially in Book 9?
• Are his decisions appropriate for a king like him? Why? Why not?

“Hard-hearted man! He does not think of his friends’ affection and how we honored him first and foremost. Cruel man!”.

Those were the words that came out of Aias when Achilles was not moved by their pleas to help the Achaians.

In spite of the tremendous riches and holdings offered by King Agamemnon, Achilles chose to omit the king’s request to give in. It was firm that not all material wealth could persuade Achilles to return to battle.

Achilles’ heart still swells with anger. He believed that Agamemnon wanted to deceive him again. Achilles wanted Agamemnon to suffer just like what he felt when the King tormented his heart by insulting him and taking away Briseis from him.

Phoinix came to Achilles as a father and tried to get him to free his anger. He told the story about Meleager so as to open Achilles’ eyes and heart, but these just fell into Achilles’ deaf ears.

Achilles is a young man with might, courage and skill in battle. However, in book IX, he was perceived as prideful, jealous, stubborn, and immature person. He was considered as the mightiest warrior by the Achaian but his actions made him appeared less of a king. His wrath blinded him of putting aside his concern and love for his people. He did not seam to care at all for his friends and the army battling with the Trojans.

His character as a strong undefeated warrior as far from what he was in book IX when he demonstrated his cowardness by advising Phoinix, Aias, Odysseus, and the rest of the Greeks to sail away from home for they will never win the battle against Hector and the Trojans.

Overall, book IX exposed Achilles weak side….rebellious, immature, arrogant, and overwhelming pride.