Achilles and Hector: Examination of Two Foils - Essay Example

Section/# Achilles and Hector: An Examination of Two Foils Whereas Hector and Achilles both share a litany of similarities within Homer’s Iliad, it is the belief of this author that they are portrayed as exquisite foils of one another. Although there are a number of means by which an author could seek to analyze the text and point to key passages and overall evidence with regards to whether or not these characters complement one another or integrate with one another so as to form a stark contrast, the means by which this analysis will undertake to prove such a point is by analyzing the key similarities and differences and then seeking to portray the overall importance of these with regards to character development within the story. As such, it is the hope of the author that the forthcoming analysis can add to the way in which the reader integrates with these two characters as foils of one another. Although battle and victory are both important for the heroes, the means by which Hector approaches these concepts is fundamentally different from the means by which Achilles approaches them. For instance, one can easily note that Achilles is interested in battle and victory for the sake of vengeance and glory; the more base side of human need and desire. Conversely, Hector battles for honor and the defense of Troy; the more noble aspects of character. Says Achilles, “If I abide here and besiege the Trojans' city, then my returning home is taken from me, but my fame shall be imperishable; but if I go home to my dear native land, my high fame is taken from me” (IV. 200-203). In this way, the reader is made painfully aware of the fact that although both heroes integrate within very much the same framework and share key similarities, they fundamental causal motivations that drive them are inherently different; thereby reinforcing the understanding that Hector and Achilles are merely foils of one another. Though both characters find themselves within the given situation, it is Hector who must stay and is tied to the duty that calls him to defend his home city. Conversely, Achilles even attests to the fact that he can merely just sail away and leave the conflict behind if it so suits him. This serves to remind the reader yet again of the differing level of loyalties and honor which both characters come to represent. Says Hector, “No man, against my fate, sends me to Hades’. And as for fate, I’m sure no man escapes it, Neither a good nor a bad man once he’s born” (VI. 487-489). The theme of loyalty and honor is repeated over and over again by Homer and in all of its various manifestations serves to remind the reader that there are key and fundamental differences that separate the immature, petulant, and otherwise dishonorable character of Achilles from the mature, loyal, dutiful, and otherwise honorable character of Hector. A third differentiation between the two men is the way in which Homer casts Achilles as no longer a warrior but something of a butcher instead. Rather than giving Achilles the fundamental flaw of having an overly high estimation of his fighting abilities, Homer instead chose to cast Achilles in such a way as his merit on the battlefield and skill were absolutely beyond question. This was so much the case that Achilles becomes known to the reader as less of a battlefield prodigy and more of a butcher. Whereas Hector himself is no slouch in battle, Achilles prowess is continually thrown before the reader providing a bit of foreboding while at the same time helping to integrate a firm understanding with the reader that even though Achilles possess unnatural skill on the battlefield, his complete and utter lack of manly virtue and honor distinctly sets him apart from Hector. Yet another differential that Homer seeks to integrate into the understanding of the foil relationship that exists between Hector and Achilles is the extent to which Hector is demonstrated to represent sacrificial virtue. This is of course due to the fact that Hector expresses no qualms about dying for another Trojan to protect his/her way of life. This selfless virtue is cast against Achilles dogged drive for victory and glory. Although it is never specifically and/or expressly stated, the reader can of course rapidly infer that there does not exist a single unselfish motive within the heart of Achilles. As such, he represents the foil to Hector’s honor, bravery, and sacrificial offering. Finally, with regards to the final scenes of the story, Achilles proves himself to be a far inferior individual than that of which Hector had come to represent. After predictably defeating Hector in battle, Achilles drug his lifeless corpse around the walls of Troy as a means of demonstrating his complete and total victory over Hector. Though such an action comes as little surprise to the reader who had already become somewhat accustomed to the exploits and actions of Achilles, it stands in stark contrast to what the reader had come to expect and know concerning Hector’s personality and actions. As such, the reader has a difficult time imagining any situation in which Hector would have stooped to such a level and disregarded honor in such a way. Says Achilles upon Hector’s final demise at his own hands, “No more entreating, dog, by knees or parents. I only wish my fury would compel me to cut away your flesh and eat it raw for what you’ve done. No one can keep the dogs off your head, not if they brought me ransom of ten or twenty times as much” (XXII. 345-350). By tacitly allowing the reader to compare and contrast the means by which Hector would have integrated with the particular situation, Homer allows for the reader to develop yet another measurement point against which the failure of Achilles’ character can be fully illuminated. Ultimately, the entire concept of the way in which Achilles and Hector represent foils of one another in Homer’s story is concentric around the identification of honor and valor within the story. Whereas Hector represents the purest form of honor, bravery, truth, dignity, and valor in each and every aspect, Achilles represents the more base and twisted interpretations of these concepts. By presenting the foils of one another in the way that he did, Homer is able to draw a further level of comparison between the virtues of dignity, bravery, honor, truth, and valor. As such, the utilization of the concept and approach that Homer has engaged does far more than contrast two seemingly similar men; rather, it is a means of separating the truest and purest forms of goodness from the pollution that is so easily engendered within the normal application of such virtues as have been described. Work Cited Homer, A. T. Murray, and William F. Wyatt. Iliad. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press, 1999. Print. Read More