Book 21
After the death of Patroklos, there is a change in Achilles' character. In book 21, he encounters another son of Priam who begs Achilles not to kill him. He says he wasn't born from the same womb as Hektor and therefore, should have his life spared. But at this point, Achilles has lost all will to reason and a very dark side of him emerges. He shows no mercy as he kills him and tells him that Patroklos was far greater than him and even he died so, he shall die too. At this point, Achilles will destroy anything in his way. Especially anything remotely related to Hektor. There is a fury inside him more powerful than any other man out there.
ReplyDeleteI also noticed a change in character of Achilles in Book 21. He seemed to drift from the war and was almost in a bubble like society. He only was worried about which choice to make. Whether that was to be a hero and die in war and forever be remembered or to do go to his family and like a long life without fame to his name. When Achilles get note that Patroklos was killed by the Trojans that is more than enough to get Achilles back into the war. Achilles states, " Patroklos also is dead, who was better by far than you are. Do you not see what a man I am, how huge, how splendid and born of a great father, and the mother who bore me immortal? Yet even I have also my death and my strong destiny" (line 106-109). I took this quote as Achilles coming to the realization that he is no greater than anyone in this war. Despite the fact that he has great parents, it doesn't change his fate in which death awaits him.