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What a Man!! - Caroline Tucker

The Iliad has been very interesting. If you had a hard time understanding what is going on. I am here to tell you, you are not the only one. For a while, I had no clue what was going on. Thankfully, I think I figured it out a little bit. We will see how far that goes. 

So far the Iliad has been messing with me. I will begin to like a character and then something will happen or they will do something. Then, I just give them my confused gaze, my “you’re crazy” look, and a disapproving shake if my head. 

One character that I do not want this to happen to is Hector. Hector is both manly strong but also emotional and supportive to his wife. The interactions he has are some of my favorite lines. When he called Paris a coward behind his back by saying, “if I would shrink from battle now, a coward” (Homer, 210).

 Not only do I love Hector’s quick wit, I also admire his love and adoration for his wife, Andromache, and son. There was so much he did for Andromache. He did not have to visit her and his son and when she was not home. He did not have to find her, but he did. When he heard where Andromache and his son was, he “spun and rushed” to find her (208). 

My favorite attribute of Hector is how understanding he is of Andromache’s emotions. When Andromache  was ranting how he had no pity for her and their son, his response response was “All this weighs on my mind too, dear woman” (210). But this interaction is not the peak of their interactions. Hector made me melt when he was “filled with pity now, Hector stroked her gently, trying to reassure her, repeating her name” (212). 

The Iliad describes Hector as the “man-killing Hector” (212). But, he is not only a warrior; he has a sensitivity to his wife and child.There are many more examples of endearing interactions between Hector and his wife and son. A particularly sweet one includes his prayer for his son. Hector strikes me as someone who is strong but will not shrink away from emotions. He is willing to be a comfort to his family when needed. 


P.s. I commented on Kaitlyn’s and Braylan’s posts.

Comments

  1. ClaboAugust 24, 2020 at 4:01 PM

    I completely agree with you and your admiration for Hector. He is probably one of the most endearing and commendable characters introduced in this story so far. While most of the characters in the epic are selfish and hungry for power, glory, or women, I feel as if Hector leans more towards the pursuit of virtue and companionship. This is completely contrary to character shown in Hector's brother Paris who is completely self-seeking and cowardly as you said.

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  2. kaitlyn terryAugust 25, 2020 at 8:49 AM

    I couldn't agree more. Hector's love and compassion for his wife and son was incredibly compelling. I have no doubt that he may be one of the closest to being morally good in this epic poem. His actions snared my attention every time just by the sheer nature of his being.

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