In the Iliad, Achilles heroic strength and presence in battle is widely acclaimed. In this book, Achilles is the main character. The book follows him as he struggles to make decisions regarding his pride, and the Achaean people. This internal struggle is much of the driving force in the Iliad, particularly in Book 9, as was seen in the previous question. Achilles strong moral compass and sense of justice are evident through the entirety of the book, and it is illustrated clearly at the beginning. His desire to protect the Achaeans and anger at Agamemnon’s lack of action moves Achilles to do everything in his power to find out what is killing his people. This action, though evidence of his strong moral code, disrupts the social order and hierarchy. When the plague is lifted, order is not restored, but Achilles fury is clearly evident. Achilles’ anger at Agamemnon and jealousy of his gifts and his taking of Briseis leads him to forget the good and glory in his own life. In his blinded rage, he attempts to kill his king. Achilles anger results in his withdrawing himself from the battle, and the Achaeans fearing their fall to the Trojans.
In an attempt to extend the olive branch, Agamemnon sends Odysseus, Phoenix, and Ajax to offer Achilles honor, gifts, and Briseis, if only he will return and fight. This moment in Book 9 clearly demonstrates a major character flaw of Achilles: his all-consuming pride. Despite being offered that which he most wanted, and so much more, Achilles could not reconcile with himself forgiving, or even putting aside his anger for Agamemnon to save the life of so many Achaeans who fought beside him. His unrelenting pride will not allow him to see the deadly cost of these actions, only the affront he feels he has suffered. The promise of gifts and gold will never be enough for Achilles. The only thing that can overcome this strong moral code is his constant desire for honor, his desire to be held in the highest of esteem. Because he is a hero. And his heroic identity is the thing that defines him most. Not only is Achilles character centered on his pride, but it is also based in his emphasis on heroism and family, as most evident through his relationship with Patroklos, specifically his death.
When his best friend dies, Achilles view of love and relationships is broadened and deepened, from a superficial element of life to a more vital, essential part of his life and character. He believes himself to have been responsible for Patroklos, to have been his protector, and feels obligated to avenge his death. In Book 9, Phoenix advises Achilles that there may come a point when he must put aside his anger and hatred for Agamemnon and do what is right, regardless of gifts and gold. Unfortunately, the death of Patroklos is the necessary push to remind Achilles of the men he abandoned. The death of Patroklos causes a great toll on Achilles, it makes him almost more human because it forces him, a nearly unbeatable warrior, to face the mortality of man, and his own specifically. Though he cannot see it, his friend’s death and the pain he feels from it is not unlike the pain the Achaeans felt at Achilles’ absence. This realization and new action on his part is an essential part of Achilles character, as it shows a contrast from everything else he has shown: anger, and pride standing in the way of morality.
