Iliad Father Son Relationship - 1562 Words

In The Iliad, Homer offers incredible insights into the themes of human interactions. While the epic narrative moves forward, these dynamics are kept intertwined with the devastating battlefield. One of the prominent themes is the father-son relationship and this Iliadic father-son dynamic is focused mostly between Priam and Hector. Looking at scenes featuring both characters, their interactions feature mutual feelings of love, concern, and, most importantly, interdependency. Priam cares for Hector, imparts values tied to the heroic code, and carries expectations for his son. On the other hand, Hector aims to meet Priam’s expectations and repay his father for all that he has done for him. In the background of this relationship, Homer†¦show more content†¦One key element of Priam’s dismissal of the code can be found in his diction. His words carry considerable weight to them and target his son’s eleos. Priam saw aidos as an obstacle and his words involved method of reverse psychology. The 2 themes of eleos and aidos can not easily coexist, so Priam sought to transform the values of aidos. Priam pleads: â€Å"Show some pity for me, Before I go out of my mind with grief, And Zeus finally destroys me in my old age† (Il,22.66-68). His speech contains 3 main points but the most important is where he states Hector must stay alive to protect him. This scene of persuasive rhetoric culminates in an appeal to the bond they share, and illustrates that Priam expects this to exercise the greatest influence on Hector. Priam’s basis of appeal forms this idea that the heroic values of fame and honor have their roots in the ties that bind a father and son. This illustrates the interdependency and reciprocal nature that underlies the relationship. Throughout this argument, it’s made clear that Priam far values his paternal role over his royal role. In fact, nowhere in his rhetoric does it offer a viewpoint of Trojan king. For example, Priam does not bear hatred for Achilles because he is an enemy of his state, instead, his hatred is based upon the fact that Achilles has killed most of his sons. (Il,22.415). For the duel between Hector and Achilles, a Trojan kingShow MoreRelatedFamily Dynamics in Homers Iliad969 Words   |  4 PagesThe relationships between parents and their sons in the Iliad are not relationships we expect to see in today’s society. The Iliad portrays the relationships between fathers and sons as something more than just physical and emotional. It is based on pride and respect for one another. The expectations of their son are more so to pass on their fathers reputable name and to follow in their father’s footsteps of being noble warriors. 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