greek myth
Paper instructions:
college level needs to be rewritten turning a F into a B or higher. (it is #2 in the assignment attached)
Greek Mythology
Introduction
The Arms of Achilles is a highly compact poem, which compresses the turning point of a decade old conflict into a few days war. However, the shield passage lengthens this setting into a timeless universe. At this point in time, the poet relents from the events of personal vendettas and violence to contemplate into the aesthetic beauty of the greater cosmos in which they take place. This research paper will focus on internalizing the literary device, (ekphrasis) as used in the narrative and also describe the character and nature of the ancient Greek people.
Description of Achilles shield
Just like the night interlude, the making of Achilles’ armor brings out a set of dramatic anticipation in the poem. The magnificence in the glittering beauty of the armor seems to indicate the magnificent strength in it. “When he’d created that great and sturdy shield he fashioned body armour brighter than blazing fire a heavy helmet shaped to fit Achilles’ temples, beautiful and finely worked, with a gold crest on top”[740]. The diction used to describe this shield is absolute and so compelling and all together constitutes a case of an ekphrasis. This description paints out the Greek people as a society that appreciated the beauty of art even in such areas that it was least expected like in war armaments. This shield effectively makes it possible for Homer to filter a very complex artistic subject in layers of imaginative rendering. In regard to Achilles shield, Homer’s use of ekphrasis makes it possible for him to portray not just the images on it but also their effect. For instance, the images embossed on the shield cannot move but Homer paints them out as dancing spiritedly. By combining artistic etching and poetry, Homer is able to endow the images with high level of aesthetic and dynamism.
The narrative portrays the ancient Greeks as a people who were constantly involved in war not just for the sake of it but mainly to revenge. “The second city was surrounded by tw0 armies, soldiers with glittering weapons” [630]….. When Antilochus breaks the word to Achilles about the death of Patroclus, Achilles lost sense of control about himself. He recounts a “terrible, wrenching cry” which was so profound that, Thetis could hear which makes her bring her water-nymph sisters so as to know what disturbs Achilles. Achilles tells Thetis of the tragedy that has befallen him and swears that he would revenge upon the Hector, despite his understanding that he was made to die if he chose to lead the live of a warrior. Thetis reiterates that, since Hector at that moment wore the Achilles armor, she would have the supernatural metalsmith Hephaestus construct another set, if at all Achilles were to delay another day without exacting his revenge.
This poem is a watershed of the nature and character of the ancient Greeks, since by just making the night fall upon the scene; Homer introduces a burning desire of Achilles revenge especially from the preceding slaughter. In essence, Achilles’ entry into the war brings out a metaphoric new beginning for the Achaeans.
The Greeks appreciated live but their main challenge was the unending war and brutal killings that were taking place during the ten-year old war. “The second city was surrounded by tw0 armies, soldiers with glittering weapons” [630]… However, the poet brings out a contrast, when he points out the way Achaeans were pressed by fortifications, dwelled on their woes and mourned their dead comrade; yet the following day marks their fatal attack to the Trojan army. The Greeks are a people who could not relent on war and could not let an attack go without vengeance. The Trojans buoyed by previous day’s success they plan an attack on the Achaean army. “They were discussing two alternatives, each one pleasing some of them—whether to attack that city and plunder it, or to accept as payment half of all the goods contained in that fair town”[632]. The most unfortunate thing is that, before Trojans attacked they did not realize that the mistake would cost them a series of mourning.
The Greeks also had a strong believe in supernatural powers. When Thetis departs, Iris appears with a message sent from Hera to Achilles that he had to go and make an appearance in the war front. This appearance was so significant since it would scare away the Trojans and even make them abandon the war for Patroclus’s body. Achilles sets off from his tent together with Athena and let loose a huge cry that sends off the Trojans. This enormous cry is superhuman and terrible that is why it the Trojans.
In conclusion, the Greeks are a people who appreciated art in almost all their aspects including war. The use of ekphrasis in their literature enhances the understanding of their rich cultural experiences. In essence, Homer manages to bring out the theme of war, vengeance and honour of supernatural deities by integrating stylistic devices in the art.
Works Cited
Johnston, I. (2008, 7 24). Homer: The Illiad. Retrieved 09 30, 2013, from The Arms of Achilles: http://records.viu.ca/~johnstoi/homer/iliad18.htm