The Iliad

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Who would you consider the protagonist of “The Iliad?”

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Who would you consider the protagonist of “The Iliad?” Give reasons. [NU: 2017]

“The Iliad” (762 BCE), written by Homer (c. 800-701 BCE), is one of the greatest epics. The whole story moves around the wrath of Achilles. He is the central figure, and his actions shape the war. Thus, Achilles is the true protagonist.

Wrath of Achilles: The poem begins with the anger of Achilles. Homer sings,

“The rage of Achilles – sing it now, goddess.” 

His wrath against Agamemnon shapes the war. He withdraws from fighting and prays for Trojan success. His anger is the subject and controls the action. Without him, the war takes another form. Achilles’ rage is the main reason for the Greeks' suffering. This central role of his wrath proves him to be the main hero.

Death of Patroclus: The turning point of the poem is Patroclus’ death. Patroclus fights wearing the armour of Achilles. Hector kills him in battle

. Achilles feels deep grief and cries loudly. His sorrow changes his mind. He ends his quarrel with Agamemnon. He returns to battle only for revenge. 

Killing of Hector: The climax of the epic is the fight between Achilles and Hector. Hector is brave but fated to die. Achilles kills him with the help of Athena. He then drags Hector’s body in cruel anger. 

Change of Heart: The end of the poem shows a change in Achilles. Priam, Hector’s father, begs for his son’s body. Achilles remembers his own father and feels pity. 

“Have pity on me; remember 

your father.” 

He gives back Hector’s body with mercy. This shows another side of Achilles. His humanity softens his wrath. In The Iliad, Achilles is the clear protagonist. His wrath, grief, revenge, and mercy control the story. The story begins with his anger and ends with his pity. This full circle proves Achilles as the central protagonist of the epic.

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