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M2.1: Literature Discussion

In the article Achilles is brutal, vain, and pitiless-and a true hero by Sam Jordison,

the author argues that Iliad is a rather masterful character of investigation that we may tend to

admire. As such, the paper describes Achilles as brutal, vain and somewhat pitiless. Though,

some people may claim that Achilles is a true hero. As much as this argument might be valid to

some extent, he still takes part in some despicable acts that tend to counter the belief that he is a

hero. As mentioned in the article, Achilles is arguably a rapist in the making, a killer, and enjoys

plundering goods from war. His high-strung and temperamental nature tend to support the idea

that this article's premise may be somewhat overrated and misplaced (Jordison, 2016).

In one particular instance, the Iliad presents us with one of the most fascinating

and renowned passages when Achilles learns of the murder of his beloved companion Patroclus

by Hector (Homer: Book 18, Lines 1-21). A dark cloud of grief engulfs Achilles. At the same

time, we are told that Achilles defiles his handsome face with ashes from the fire and passes out.

Perhaps the realization of the fate that will befall him is what essentially sends him into such a

state in the first place. Therefore, this particular scene tends to negate the premise of the article

that Achilles is a true hero and a feared warrior in battle. In real sense, I tend to support the idea

that it is quite the opposite.

Works Cited
 Surname 2

Homer. The Iliad: Book 18, retrieved from http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?

doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0134%3Abook%3D18%3Acard%3D1 accessed on

31st May 2021

Jordison, Sam. (2016) Achilles is Brutal, Vain, Pitiless- and a True Hero, retrieved from

https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2016/feb/16/achilles-homer-iliad-brutal-

vain-pitiless-hero accessed on 31st May 2021