I am interested in analyzing why Homer brought Achilles through a type of transformation toward the end of the epic. What underlying factors brought Achilles toward this stream of conciseness that causes his anger to finally dissipate?
Isn’t it funny that the original conflict that we all expect the epic to revolve around, the war over Helen, is somewhat overshadowed by the conflict between Achilles and Hector? Who would have thought?!
Regarding the Odyssey:
Many argue that Odysseus appears to transform throughout his journey in the Odyssey. It appears that his hubris almost begins to give way to a sense of self awareness. Odysseus begins to learn that in order to be successful he must put his pride aside and actually think through situations. There are several points within the epic where Odysseus seems to gain insight on why lack of self control and overt pride will ultimately bring forth a negative outcome (The land of the Lotus Eaters, Helios’ Cattle, etc.) and others where he simply cannot help but to exert his power and feed his curiosity (The Cyclopes). What makes him change his ways toward the end of the epic? Despite his caution when returning back to Ithaca does he truly transform…after all…he shows no mercy on the suitors in the hall.
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