The gods have abandoned the mortals in their combat, and have thus ceased their intervention. The Acheans have the upper hand in the battle, and the Trojans retreated back into Troy. Nestor senses a great deal of weakness among the Trojans, as they give into the littlest extortion. He suggests that they kill as many Trojans as possible while they are winning. As the Trojans anticipate their defeat, they begin to pray. In the meantime, Paris has withdrawn from fighting claiming it because he is grieving. Hector and Helen quickly push Paris back out into battle. Hector also returns after visiting his wife, Andromache who was watching the battle from afar. She believes that Hector is going to die, and begins to mourn his potential death.
A theme in this book is the importance of bravery and nobility. Between mortals and gods both have a need for these virtues. For example, as Paris avoids war, he is brought to account for his lack of bravery.
A notable piece of poetry in this book is the following lines, from a dialogue between Hector to Paris, "How could anyone fair and just underrate your work in battle? You're a good soldier. But you hang back of your own accord, refuse to fight. And that, that's why the heart inside me aches when I hear our Trojans heap contempt on you, the men who bear such struggled all for you." The idea of rejection of cowardism is evident in this passage. From this calling, Paris agrees to fight alongside Hector.
Another well written post. The scene between Hector and his wife is truly unique as we catch a glimpse of domestic life and the union between this small family. We sense sincere regard in the relationship between man and wife, which perhaps casts a tragic shadow over the scene, knowing as we do how probable death in battle is. Do you sense that Hector is torn between his love for his family and his duty to Troy and his father? How do you think this scene complicates the idea of courage in the poem?
ReplyDeleteLove the art you are posting along with your summaries!