Paris In The Iliad
Although Paris’ foolish actions instigated the Trojan War, Homer highlighted how divine forces and problematic characters were also responsible for the war in the Iliad. The Greek Gods play a major role in the Trojan War. The Greek Gods viewed the Trojan War as a source of entertainment. They acted as if they were a family, tuning into the local sports team. There were arguments within the family about which sports team to support and each family member sided with a different team. The Gods’ competitive spirit caused them to interfere with the mortals and used their godly powers to influence the tide of the war. An example of the Gods’ using their divine powers would be when Aphrodite saved Paris on the battlefield. (Iliad 3. 406-409).
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Paris is the catalyst of the Trojan War. He is driven by his lust for Helen and does not have the capability to think logically the best way to resolve a conflict. He provokes others but plays the victim when the people he wronged, challenges him. This is seen during his confrontation with Menelaus to have a one on one combat. Homer describes Paris to have an intimidating god-like appearance, however Paris’ skill in combat is anything but god-like. (Iliad 3.396-399). His lack of expertise shows that his bark is worse than his bite, which makes others critical of Paris. One of the themes that is highlighted in the Iliad, is honor. (Carlon, 9/29/17). Honor was important to the Greeks and Trojans because it determined who was entitled to power and respect. In order to be respected by others, they had to prove their worth to others. Unfortunately for Paris, he was not viewed favorably by his people. An example is when his fellow soldiers were willing to sacrifice him to the enemy. (Iliad 3.478-480). This example illustrates how others perceive Paris as someone who does not deserve to be honored as a hero. Thus, being characterized as a coward because even though he caused the war, he is not willing to fight in it. Paris’ cowardice rivals Achilles’ pride. Although Achilles is the best warrior from the Trojan army, his stubborn pride is his weakness. When Agamemnon took Achilles’ possession from him, Achilles took
Paris is the catalyst of the Trojan War. He is driven by his lust for Helen and does not have the capability to think logically the best way to resolve a conflict. He provokes others but plays the victim when the people he wronged, challenges him. This is seen during his confrontation with Menelaus to have a one on one combat. Homer describes Paris to have an intimidating god-like appearance, however Paris’ skill in combat is anything but god-like. (Iliad 3.396-399). His lack of expertise shows that his bark is worse than his bite, which makes others critical of Paris. One of the themes that is highlighted in the Iliad, is honor. (Carlon, 9/29/17). Honor was important to the Greeks and Trojans because it determined who was entitled to power and respect. In order to be respected by others, they had to prove their worth to others. Unfortunately for Paris, he was not viewed favorably by his people. An example is when his fellow soldiers were willing to sacrifice him to the enemy. (Iliad 3.478-480). This example illustrates how others perceive Paris as someone who does not deserve to be honored as a hero. Thus, being characterized as a coward because even though he caused the war, he is not willing to fight in it. Paris’ cowardice rivals Achilles’ pride. Although Achilles is the best warrior from the Trojan army, his stubborn pride is his weakness. When Agamemnon took Achilles’ possession from him, Achilles took