In terms of pride, the Iliad can be interpreted as a stark challenge of ones masculinity to retain pride through being influenced and living up to the expectations and preconceived perceptions of external forces. Homer is then able to explore the implications of this prevalent theme through the use of different characters as the play progresses, each representing a monomyth carried through history’s course. Pride, being a central tenet to heroic belief is evident as a driving force in determining Achilleus actions, preferring to return home to save his face rather than facing humiliation.
“Now I am returning to Phthia, since it is much better to go home again with my curved ships, and I am minded no longer to stay here dishonoured and pile up your wealth and luxury.” The fact that pride turns out to be prior to material values of wealth and prosperity emphasizes that glorious acts driven by the pride of main characters comprise the core of ancient Greek society’s set of values also supported through implementation of their personal ambitions. This idea is also conspicuous through the membership in Homer’s elite society due to ‘proud performances’ of elite identity and having that individual performance accepted by others.
This occurs when Patroclus challenges Achilles, “What good is your excellence? How will it benefit others, now or in times to come, if you hold it back and refuse to save the Achaeans?” This admonishment of Achilles represents that Patroclus is depriving him of his pride by placing Achilles in perspective, ‘what good are you, look what you are causing because you’re doing nothing’. To maintain an acquired status through competitive exchange, one must maintain a sense of pride, also contrasted to modern-day street gangs where as a proud leader, to refuse to compete is to lose and place an established rank at risk. In such a way, it is clearly evident that Homer uncovers the role of pride in the life of ancient Greek warrior culture and this is profound within characters consisting of attributes of the human condition in the 21st century.
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Conversely, pride is a prevalent theme that truly reflects the intended purpose of Homer being influential through out Western literature. This unwavering commitment to humanity presents his universal view of mankind and pride is used to bestow glorious epithets on both Greek and Trojan characters. Whilst times have passed as we now consider ourselves a technological advanced as used the Greeks and Trojans in the Iliad so we can relate on the same human level of pride. This is evident through the use of formal speeches as a typical element of the Homeric epic form. “Be men now, dear friends, and take up the heart of courage and have consideration for each other in the strong encounters.”
This expression of Achilles thoughts and feelings addressed to his counterparts represents a commonness shared between us and heroes of the ancient Greek time, further proving Homer’s intentions in terms of pride. In contrast, as Christians, we know that pride can be one of the greatest sins we can fall into, similar to the way pride is the moral downfall for characters within the Iliad, therefore Homer’s intentional works consider the worldview implications of such thinking and in a way prevents the audience from committing acts for enhancement of social standing. Pride reflects the intended purpose of Homer and this is evident through various examples as he takes into account certain aspects of the human condition, resulting in a powerful and profound text. Further highlighting the intended purpose of Homer is the idea of blind pride being a detrimental factor in questioning the morals and determining the fate of men.
It is a common trend in human nature to gain pride through feeling powerful and valued, however blindly seeking this paramount social peril may promptly result in cowardly, remorseless, parasitic actions. This idea of blind pride destroying even the strongest of men and resulting in a tragic downfall is evident through Hector being Homer’s major contrasting figure to Achilles and more specifically, his slaying and defilement of Hector’s body, testifying the line of humanity itself. “So he [Achilles] triumphed and now bent on outrage, on shaming noble Hector, Piercing the tendons, ankle to heel behind both feet, he knotted the straps of rawhide through them both, lashed them to his chariot, left the head to drop.”
The unmitigated, savage, barbaric description of the result of Achilles overwhelming pride reinforces that when you take a highly skilled warrior and they proceed on a blind, bloodlust rampage, they are merely capable of achieving anything, being completely tethered from reality. This recurring theme is further emphasized when Agamemnon manifests his pride openly as he pursues glorious rewards for his achievements as leader of the army and gaining respect from fellow counterparts. “Still, I am willing to give her back, if such is the best way. I myself desire that my people be safe, not perish. Find me then some prize that shall be my own, lest I only Among the Argives go without, since that were unfitting.” Agamemnon’s primary concern of gaining some prize at all cost to meet his pride as a blind asset demonstrates that he is unaware of the impact of pride on his actions as he cannot resist, dominating over emotions and completely determining his selfish behavior.
