Aristotle said that the man who is incapable of working in common, or who in his self-sufficiency has no need of others, is no part of the community, and is like a beast or a god. Discuss the character of Achilles in light of this statement. Use plenty of examples, details, references, and quotations in the response.

QUESTION

Topic 1:

Aristotle said that the man who is incapable of working in common, or who in his self-sufficiency has no need of others, is no part of the community, and is like a beast or a god. Discuss the character of Achilles in light of this statement. Use plenty of examples, details, references, and quotations in the response.

Topic 2:

In spite of the constraints imposed by the formulaic language of the oral tradition, Homer, according to one critic, “sees his people as individually distinct and makes us aware of their individuality.” Discuss the ways Homer succeeds in presenting as differentiated individuals Hector, Nestor, Ajax, Odysseus, Agamemnon, Priam, and Phoenix. How does Homer make his characters individuals? Give plenty examples and references to the text in your response.

Topic 3:

For a complete primary source, use The Iliad预览文档 and search for the listed books. Homer’s preferred medium of poetic comparison is simile rather than metaphor, and his similes are “extended.” The simile does more than establish a likeness between A and B; it goes on to describe B in great detail, some of the details not like A at all. Yet, these details, the apparent development of B for its own sake, often do suggest points of comparison that lie below the surface, and often, too, they make significant comments on broader aspects of the situation in which they appear. Discuss the function of the extended or epic simile in at least three of the following passages:

XVIII.219-25

XXII.33-37

XVIII.339-43

XXII.178-240

XXIV.511-14

ANSWER

Topic 1

In Aristotle’s view, the man who cannot work in common or is self-sufficient without the need for others is excluded from the community and resembles either a beast or a god. When examining the character of Achilles in light of this statement, we can observe both his communal nature and his god-like attributes throughout the epic poem, “The Iliad.” Achilles, although possessing extraordinary abilities and strengths, is not portrayed as an isolated or detached figure but as an integral part of the Greek community.

One aspect of Achilles’ character that highlights his participation in the community is his role as a leader and warrior. He willingly joins the Greek forces and fights alongside his fellow soldiers in the Trojan War. Achilles demonstrates his commitment to the common cause and his willingness to work in harmony with others for the sake of victory. This is evident when he declares, “For my own honour now it is better even to kill you” (Book XXII), indicating his dedication to upholding the honor and reputation of the Greek army.

Furthermore, Achilles displays his communal nature in his interactions with his comrades. Despite his exceptional skills, he recognizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation. For example, when he mourns the death of his close friend Patroclus, he acknowledges the need for support and assistance from others, stating, “And yet, what a tower of strength my father and mother were to me!” (Book XVIII). This highlights his dependence on familial and communal ties, emphasizing his inclusion within the community.

However, Achilles also possesses god-like qualities that set him apart from ordinary men. His invincibility in battle, except for his vulnerable heel, grants him a divine aura. This is evident when he engages in combat with Hector, the Trojan hero. Achilles effortlessly overpowers Hector, demonstrating his god-like prowess. Moreover, his mother, the sea-nymph Thetis, is a deity herself, further blurring the line between Achilles’ mortal and divine nature.

Despite his god-like abilities, Achilles remains an integral part of the community. His participation in the war and his interactions with his fellow Greeks demonstrate his willingness to work in common. Although he possesses qualities that set him apart, he does not distance himself from the communal fabric. Instead, Achilles embodies the complex nature of humanity, simultaneously embodying the communal bonds and extraordinary attributes that Aristotle’s statement encompasses.

Topic 2

Homer, the renowned poet of ancient Greece, is often praised for his ability to present individuals within a collective context, despite the constraints imposed by the formulaic language of the oral tradition. In “The Iliad,” Homer successfully portrays characters such as Hector, Nestor, Ajax, Odysseus, Agamemnon, Priam, and Phoenix as distinct individuals with unique qualities and personalities.

One way in which Homer distinguishes his characters is through their individual speech patterns and rhetorical styles. Each character has a distinct way of expressing themselves, reflecting their personality and social status. For instance, Hector, the noble Trojan prince, often delivers eloquent speeches that display his sense of honor and responsibility. In contrast, Odysseus, the cunning Greek hero, employs persuasive and crafty rhetoric to achieve his objectives.

Homer also differentiates his characters through their actions and decisions. By portraying their choices and behaviors, he reveals their individual motivations and moral values. For instance, when Agamemnon refuses to return Chryseis to her father, it reflects his arrogance and disregard for the consequences. In contrast, Hector’s decision to face Achilles in battle despite knowing his own fate showcases his bravery and devotion to defending his city.

Moreover, Homer presents his characters as individuals by providing glimpses into their personal lives and relationships. Nestor, the wise and elderly Greek warrior, frequently reminisces about past battles and offers advice based on his extensive experience. This distinguishes him from the younger warriors and highlights his role as a mentor within the community. Additionally, Homer explores the relationships between characters, such as the bond between Achilles and Patroclus, or the interactions between Odysseus and his wife Penelope, thereby showcasing their unique emotional connections and vulnerabilities.

Through these various techniques, Homer humanizes his characters and allows them to stand out as distinct individuals within the epic narrative. Despite the formulaic nature of the oral tradition, he emphasizes their individuality through their speech, actions, relationships, and personal histories. As a result, readers are able to engage with and relate to these characters on a deeper level, recognizing their unique qualities and contributions to the overall story.

Topic 3

Homer, in “The Iliad,” employs the extended or epic simile as his preferred medium of poetic comparison. These similes go beyond establishing a likeness between two entities and delve into detailed descriptions of the second entity (B), often with details that are dissimilar to the first entity (A). However, these extended similes serve a greater purpose, offering insightful commentary on the situation at hand and broader aspects of the narrative. Let us explore the function of the extended simile in three specific passages.

1. XVIII.219-25:
In this passage, Homer employs an extended simile to describe the beauty of the shield forged by Hephaestus for Achilles. He compares the numerous decorative images on the shield to those found in a busy market square. By vividly describing the bustling activities of a market, the simile emphasizes the richness and intricacy of the shield’s craftsmanship. It also suggests the diverse and vibrant nature of the world depicted in the poem, mirroring the complexities and interactions of the characters involved in the Trojan War.

2. XXII.33-37:
During the climactic battle between Achilles and Hector, Homer uses an extended simile to convey Hector’s fear upon seeing Achilles charging towards him. The simile likens Hector’s reaction to that of a deer being pursued by a predator. By associating Hector, a valiant warrior, with the prey, the simile highlights the power imbalance and the impending doom awaiting him. It also underscores the tragic nature of the conflict and evokes sympathy for Hector as he faces his inevitable demise.

3. XVIII.339-43:
In this passage, Homer employs an extended simile to depict Achilles mourning the death of Patroclus. The simile compares Achilles’ grief to that of a bird lamenting the loss of its nestlings. By drawing this parallel, the simile captures the depth of Achilles’ sorrow and the profound emotional impact of losing a loved one. It also highlights the vulnerability and fragility of even the mightiest heroes, humanizing Achilles and evoking empathy from the readers.

Through these extended similes, Homer adds depth and complexity to his narrative, offering nuanced perspectives on the characters and their experiences. The similes provide vivid imagery, allowing readers to engage with the emotions and situations described. Moreover, they offer broader insights into the themes of the epic, such as the nature of beauty, the fragility of life, and the intricate connections between individuals and their surroundings. By employing extended similes, Homer enriches his poetic language and contributes to the profound impact of “The Iliad” as a timeless work of literature.