Sunday, December 21, 2014

In the Iliad, what qualities of Hector and Andromache are revealed?

The Iliad reveals the loyalty and devotion which are integral parts of Hector's and Andromache's characterization.
Hector and Andromache are two of the most loyal characters in the Iliad. They display an unwavering commitment to one another.  They sacrifice for elements larger than themselves.  Both characters uphold their duty at great cost.
Hector is devoted to Troy.  He does not hesitate in responding to Troy's call. Even though he disagrees with Paris's actions, he does not forsake his obligation to the city and its soldiers.  Loyalty is a significant part of Hector's characterization.  It can be seen when he rebukes his brother as being "worthless" for not acknowledging his responsibilities.  Hector criticizes Paris for not being loyal, citing how "men are being destroyed, fighting right by the city" because of Paris's selfishness.  Hector's loyalty to Troy can be seen in the way he rebukes Paris for lacking devotion to something outside of his own pursuits.  
Hector's tragedy reveals his noble qualities.  He is a tragic figure because he is placed in an impossible situation.  As loyal as he is to Troy, he is equally devoted to his wife, Andromache.  When she pleads with him to stay, he is emotionally forlorn.  On one hand, he is loyal to her.  He never strays from her.  His only wish is to return from battle so that he can be with her and their son.   Yet, Hector knows that remaining with her when he is called upon will mean "disgrace" and being "dreadfully shamed" for abandoning his responsibilities.  He leaves his wife because of his loyalty to Troy.  However, it is clear from Homer's narration that Hector is emotionally forlorn in doing so: "He placed his son in the hands of his dear wife. She embraced the child on her sweet breast, smiling through her tears. Observing her, Hector felt compassion."  The Iliad reveals Hector's loyalty to both his city and his wife.
Hector and Andromache match one another in their traits of loyalty and devotion.  Homer reveals Andromache to be selflessly devoted to her husband.  When she hears that Hector will go off to war, her loyalty towards him subsumes her thoughts.  She communicates her fidelity towards him when she says that upon his death in battle, she "would be better to be buried in the ground." Andromache cannot see life outside of being with Hector. Her loyalty is revealed when she communicates how Hector is everything to her: "... In have no father, no dear mother... So, Hector, you are now my father, noble mother, brother, and my protecting husband." Andromache's devotion to her husband is evident in the way she sees him as the sum of her being.  She is emotionally bound to him as she cannot envision a life without him.
The Iliad reveals Hector's and Andromache's "philos," which is Greek for "love."  The Greeks saw "Philos" as a deep and binding loyalty towards something outside of oneself.  In their sacrifice for something larger than themselves,  Hector's and Andromache's philos shows devotion and loyalty.

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