theme 3- heroism Flashcards
what did homeric heroism involve
Modern understandings of heroism generally quite different.
Homeric heroism probably reflects values of the Archaic period, but is imagined by Homer to be applied to a race of ‘supermen’ in the story.
Homeric heroism revolved around two core ideals:
KLEOS – glory or renown, earned in battle and in the assembly. One must be willing to die to achieve it.
TIME – honour, the esteem in which a hero is held by others.
This means that, at core, Homeric heroism is essentially selfish in nature. It is about the individual. Other values – e.g., family values – important as they may be, do not come into the notion of heroism
hector book 6. heroism
Andromache, I too have this constantly on my mind. But if I hid myself like a coward and slunk from the fighting, I would feel nothing but shame before the Trojans and the Trojan women with their trailing gowns. My heart would not be in it either, since I have trained myself always to be a good warrior, to take my place in the front line and try to win glory for my father and myself.’
heroic behaviours stem from values
We must distinguish between heroic values and heroic behaviours. The latter come from the former and are identical with them.
There are only two core values: kleos and time.From them come all the behaviours that we associate with Homeric heroes, such as courageous action, obedience to orders, honouring one’s word, protecting one’s friends and, where appropriate, seeking vengeance.But where the values demand it, unusual behaviours emerge. YET these behaviours remain heroic, as long as they can be justified using the heroic values (e.g., arguably, A’s desire to ‘sit out’ after Book 1).
understanding heroism, scholar views
RAPIN – disappointed that Achilles is motivated by passion more than ‘virtue’.
VOLTAIRE complained that Homer’s main hero spends most of his time idle.
is the plot driven for the homeric idea of vengance
Easy to argue that the plot of the Iliad is really a drive for vengeance:
Books 1-16: Achilles avenging himself on Agamemnon.
Books 18-24: Achilles avenging himself on Hector.
Can also argue it drives the plot beyond the Achilles-drama. Consider:
Hera and Athene seeking revenge for the judgement of Paris.
Apollo seeking vengeance for treatment of Chryses and Chryseis, Book 1.
Books 16-17: warriors seeking vengeance.
But in all cases, is vengeance itself really the plot-driver? Consider:
The case of Achilles. Does something underlie the drive for vengeance?
The case of the gods Hera, Athene, Apollo). What underlies their vengeance?
