Achilleus Rage In Homer's Iliad

Once Achilles decided to return to battle, anger and pride still possessed him, and the actions of Achilles after killing Hector that he did not care about his reputation. Homer writes, “Achilles still would not dismiss his Myrmidons...“Charioteers in fast formation - friends to the death!” (559). Gloating in victory, Achilles did not refrain himself from killing even more Trojans and fought to death just so that he could bask in more glory. Also, although not describe in The Iliad, Achilles went to such extremes after killing Hector, that he even lost his own life in battle (Krause). Not suffering a valiant death as a result of the war, Achilles died once his pride consumed him and encouraged him to kill for entertainment.

Hector chooses to go to war, even though his wife and son beg him to stay. Next characteristic is that he performs courageous deeds. Hector risked his life to fight in war. "Once again on the battlefield, he was eager for the fight, and better fortune for a time lay before him(Hamilton 194)." Hector leads his army to protect Troy.

Although Arthur begins his journey alone he does meet up with Merlin, the court magician and faithful companion, who accompanies him. Much like Beowulf, Arthur gains great respect and praise from his people by fighting alone, even though it is not necessarily the smartest thing to do. The characteristic of being fearless when faced with death is often a trait of heroes because it is associated with courage and strength. King Arthur and Beowulf are not afraid to die, thus showing their courage to their adversaries and followers.

Romeo expresses this concept in Act 3 Scene 1 when he says, “And fire-eyed fury be my conduct now! Now, Tybalt, take the ‘villain’ back again that late thou gavest me.” This symbolizes Romeo killing the “villain” of hate (hate for the opposing family). Romeo’s intentions were virtuous as he thought he needed to break up the fight to keep the peace. However, it only increased tension between the Capulets and Montagues. The Capulets were enraged by Tybalt’s death as it got in the way of the wedding.

He aided his king, never caused danger to other, and bravely fought. He never doubted his calling to defeat Grendel because he believed it was in the hands of God. An epic hero is someone who leaves a mark on earth for what good they did, and Beowulf surpassed the normal typical hero. He demolished Grendel with nothing but his hands and asked of nothing in return. But with every victory, there comes a prize.

Granted, he possessed a strong will, a thing very necessary for good leadership. He had no problem exercising authoritativeness, yet Achilles beat him in every other aspect, and all but matches his stubbornness and strong will. Overall, Achilles comes out the true leader, regardless of Agamemnon’s superior rank. Achilles turns the tide of battle where Agamemnon cannot and commands respect when his commander makes a fool of himself. The young Dardan understood the importance of connecting with an audience; an army.

“I will go before you; you can call out to me, “Go on, be not afraid!” If I fall on the way, I’ll establish my name: “Gilgamesh, who joined battle with fierce Humbaba” they’ll say.” (70. 181-184). Gilgamesh’s killing of Humbaba had its circumstances, for instance, the quest of pride and fame resulted in Enkidu’s death. However, Gilgamesh does not learn his lesson and kept on using the situation to brag. In an encounter with the tavern-keeper, he told him: "I am Gilgamesh, who killed the guardian, who seized and killed the Bull that came down from heaven, who felled Humbaba who dwelt in the forest of cedars, who killed lions at the mountain passes" (96.

English 271 Achilles and Hector in The Iliad and Medea and Jason Medea all have characteristics that potentially led to their downfall. Achilles is a very angry man and it leads him to do unspeakable things. Hector is very prideful and in the end clouds his judgement. In Medea, Medea is revengeful and all she thinks about his getting revenge. Jason is insensitive and in the end it cost him his family.

Finally, upon hearing the news of Ophelia’s death, Laertes is once again filled rage. “Hadst thou thy wits, and didst persuade revenge, it could not move thus” (Shakespeare IV, v, 145). In this quote, Laertes claims that even if Ophelia was sane, she could not persuade him any better than she is now to take revenge for them. He probably feels this way because he is angry that Ophelia has become like this, and blames it all on Hamlet. This could be a sign that he is becoming mad, since he is blaming everything on Hamlet without thinking anything through.

He lived the rest of his life in nightmares and fears which denounced his actions. He realized how unscrupulous his actions were and his souls is long huanted by it. After the murder, he does not dare to put the dagger back. We could see, from this point, The warrior and Duncan’s “worthiest cousin” (1.4.15) is so terrified by his own action that a sound would scare him. While he is haunted by guilt, Macbeth has to secure his throne by murdering Banquo and Fleance.