Group B 9/16

On theme in the Odyssey that I wanted to address was the concept of forgiveness.  Throughout the story, we see time and time again how the characters rarely show remorse for their actions.  For example, in the beginning of the epic, Achilleus refuses to fight for the Achaians and prays to the Gods that they are defeated.  After many of them are killed, including his best friend Patroklos, Achilleus shows no compassion for the men that he left for dead, but instead becomes full of hatred and vengeance.  This makes sense because in the opening line of the poem, the narrator states, "Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus' son Achilleus and its devastation." Clearly, Achilleus is known for his temper, which is repeatedly shown throughout the epic.
This lack of empathy is again displayed by Achilleus towards the end of the poem, when he goes to troy to attack Hektor.  When he finally chases Hektor down to a point where Hektor surrenders and begs him to spare his body, Achilleus refuses: "not even so shall the lady your mother who herself bore you lay you on the death-bed and mourn you: no, but the dogs and the birds will have you all for their feasting."  We can further understand the character of Achilleus in this passage as he continues to show no contrition for others. Yes, Hektor killed his best friend, but by refusing to bury him, Achilleus is also punishing Hektor's entire family. Again, the concept of forgiveness, or in this case, the lack of, is displayed by Achilleus in the Iliad.
However, in a turn of events, at the very end of the epic, we see a change in this overarching theme.  When Priam, Hektor's dad, goes to Achilleus and begs him to bury his son, we finally witness a sense of compassion and forgiveness in the story.  Priam forgives Achilleus for everything he did to his son and Achilleus, who has been a complete menace throughout the story, agrees to give Hektor a proper burial.  In the climax of the poem, Achilleus embraces Priam, as the narrator describes, "[he] took the old man by the hand, and set him on his feet again, in pity for the grey head and the grey beard."  At the end of the story, we are rewarded by seeing Achilleus and Priam come to an agreement. Instead of continuing the theme of revenge, the two are able to settle their differences and guess what, everyone is happy.  In the end, all it took was some compassion and forgiveness in order for there to be peace.

Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 19, 2018 at 10:47 PM

    I thought that the scene where Priam meets with Achilles to retrieve the body of his son was very interesting. Achilles is shown as a character with an intense rage throughout the story and doesn't share remorse. However, he has his mind changed once Priam reminds Achilles of his own relationship with his father which brings great emotion to Achilles. I like how you bring together this theme of forgiveness by showing how in the end, the characters come together for peace.

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