Pride In The Iliad

The period in which the events in The Iliad took place were different

than the times of today. Back then, the most important aspect of life for a

person was to be a hero and to be remembered. One's pride would come

before everything else. In the present day, this concept would be thought

of as illogical or foolish. This is certainly true. But, that is how life

was in that time- peoples' beliefs were to be the death of them. Pride was

the downfall of all characters in Homer's epic poem, The Iliad.

Hectors fatal mistake was that he chose pride over his own well being

in the battle with Achilles. He could have taken safety within the walls of

Troy, or disappeared into a mass of his comrades, but Hector chose to stand

his ground and confront Achilles. "Ah for a young man all looks fine and

noble if he goes down in war...he lies there dead...but whatever death lays

bare, all wounds are marks of glory." If Hector had salvaged his pride

and retreated to safety, he would have lived to defend Troy. Therefore, the

possibility arises that he could have stopped the onslaught of the Acheans

altogether, and won the war for the Trojans. The result of Hectors pride

was his death and the betrayment of his fellow warriors and friends.

Another person within the Iliad whose pride was the downfall of his

character, was Patrocleus. Patrocleus was a great warrior, friend, and

asset to the Achiens. But, he made foolish choices on account of his pride.

For instance he chose to wear Achille's armor into battle when Achilles

refused to fight. This was only for his self-glorification. "...Once you have

beaten off the lethal fire, quick, come back to the ships-you must not

battle Hector!" After going into battle brandishing the armor, Patrocleus

becomes overzealous and places himself at the enemy's disposal. If

Patrocleus would have thought logically, and not acted on pride, he would

of remained alive.