The Transformation of Achilles: Humanity and Compassion in the Iliad's Conclusion
Overview
This essay analyzes the transformation of Achilles in the conclusion of Homer's Iliad, focusing on his shift from rage to compassion through his encounter with King Priam. The student argues that Achilles achieves a profound humanization by recognizing his own father in Priam and understanding the suffering he has caused to others. The paper examines how this transformation demonstrates the enduring power of humanity and fate to change individuals, even amid the brutality of war.
What this essay covers
- Introduction and thesis on Achilles' transformation from rage to empathy
- Analysis of significant passages from Book 24 showing Priam's pleas and Achilles' compassionate response
- Exploration of major themes including humanity and fate, with examples of how the characters demonstrate transformative power
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Essay Exam #2 Prompt
From the book, we can see that the transformation of Achilles is the conclusion of the Iliad. His rage comes to an end. When he observes King Priam, Achilles is able to feel sorry or empathize. Notably, it seems that he can make an image of his own father through the old king. Moreover, he we can also see the amount of anguish that he has contributed to the old man, as well as other similar to him. For each of the men he has killed, there is a father who is mourning the death of their son. Through such knowledge, he starts to cry. This is because he has done many ills as well as lost much. There is a clear transformation of Achilles from feeling rage to being compassionate. He has now become a real human and is able to relate with the victims who are slain in battle. There is a true humane sorrow that Achilles experiences as he engages with King Priam.
The passages that seem significant to me are: “Divine Achilles, remember your father who is, like me, on the grievous door step of senility. Maybe he, too, is all alone in sorrow and no one is there to defend him. But when he hears that you are alive, his heart is filled with joy. Because he still hopes that one day he will see his beloved son returning from Troy.