The Trojans Are Always Presented In A Pitiful Manner In The Aeneid
The Trojans and the journey they have been through is pitiful however they are not only
presented this way as their strength as a people is emphasised throughout the Aeneid
One could argue that the Trojans are presented in a pitiful manner during the fall of Troy.
The Trojans take the horse into the city walls only out of respect for Minerva. This creates
pity for them as the reader is forced to witness how their piety and good qualities as
humans bring their downfall.
In addition to the character Laocoon is pitiful as the Trojans do not listen to his warning and
his attempts to stop this is further pitiful as he is brutally killed by Minerva who sends
snakes. As well as his sons are also punished by his attempts to save his people as they are
choked by the snakes as well. This is overall pitiful as his trying to save his some left him
dead and the reader would sympathise with his innocent young sons’ death too.
Moreover, Priam is pitiful as the old man’s final moments are a tragedy. Priam’s son is
stabbed violently in front of him and the is pitiful to a Roman audience who valued father-
son relationships. As well as, before he is killed, Priam tries to defend himself and fight. The
description of the old frail man feebly holding his son is pitiful as it shows the desperation he
felt to survive Phyrrus.
The Trojans are further presented as pitiful as Palinurus fell off the boat and was killed by a
gang of Italians. This creates pity as he was left unburied and unable to enter the
underworld and unable to enter the underworld. Furthermore, Deiphobus is a pitiful as his
butchered nose and ears by the Greeks invoked pity from the reader as we realise the extent
of the violence the Trojans received from the Greeks.
Additionally, Nisus and Euryalus are pitiful. Euryalus’ shattered white breast and comparison
to a cut down scarlet flower by a plough is pitiful as it shows how he was cut down tragically
in the peak of his youth and life altogether by an unnatural forces. As well as Nisus’ death is
pitiful as he dies defending his lover. He rushes into Volcens and his men knowing he will die
regardless and this invokes pity as he sacrifices his life in order to find justice for Euryalus
and unite them in death.
Moreover, Euryalus’ mother is presented as pitiful as she is forced to witness her child’s dead
body without a chance to say goodbye. This is pitiful as her wails as a mother even saddened
the Trojan camp and the reader feels pity for the grieving mother who lost her only child.
On the other hand one could argue that the Trojans aren’t only presented pitifully but as
strong warriors. Dido’s sister Anna believes that Dido should keep the Trojans in Carthage
because of the military advantages they bring. Their ability to protect Carthage emphasised
their strength as they are people to be feared no pitied.
Lastly, the Trojans are not to be pitied during their fight against Turnus and Italians. Despite
inferiority they manage to last against Turnus’ men and defend the Trojan camp by tactically
,retreating into the camp. This shows their intelligence and reduces pity for them by
demonstrating they are not weak
In conclusion, the Trojans are mainly presented pitifully. Although their military and battle
strength show them too be warriors, overall many Trojan’s throughout meet pitiful deaths
through pitiful circumstances that was often undeserving.
‘Achilles’ character has no capacity for development; his
character is conceived as static.’ Explain how far you agree with
this statement. Use Passage B as a starting point. (20)
Achilles character in the Iliad can be perceived as static because he has
no capacity for development. One could argue that throughout the Iliad
Achilles remains the same angry, petty, and selfish character. In the
extract, Achilles still talks about how Agamemnon’s dishonour “still
rankles” him which shows that even after all that he and Agamemnon
have been through since then and despite the larger problems that they
face, Achilles is still not able to move forward from what Agamemnon did.
Additionally, Achilles is shown to lack a character development as
throughout the Iliad he refuses to grow emotionally he stays consumed by
his anger and retains his thirst for vengeance. In book 1 Achilles gets so
angry at Agamemnon that he fears that he cannot control his “angry
impulse” and Athena even has to come down and talk to him which shows
how he cannot control his anger and in book 22, Achilles becomes almost
animalistic in his anger towards Hector whom he hunted like a “timid
dove” after Patroclus’ death showing that throughout the book, Achilles
anger if left unchecked, could consume him and he failed to learn how to
control it, highlighting his lack of character development. Furthermore,
Achilles’ character is shows to lack development as in the Iliad, when he
faces a challenge, he does not try to solve it on his own but instead tries
to get his mother Thetis to do so on his behalf. For example in book 1
Thetis goes to ask Zeus for a favour on Achilles’ behalf and in book after
Achilles has lost his armour, Thetis goes again to Olympus to ask
Hephaestus to make Achilles new armour. His reliance on his mum stays
consistent during the books and his independence from his mother also
does not develop. Moreover, in the Iliad, Achilles proves to have no
capacity for development as he holds on to his key characteristics such as
selfishness during the course of the books. Achilles refuses to see the
bigger picture and is content in hurting Greeks if he gets his way. In book
1, after Briseas is taken from him, Achilles prays for the downfall of the
Greeks which are supposed to be his allies just to teach Agamemnon a
lesson and he almost lets all of the Greeks lose to the Trojans in doing so.
This is similarly shown in book when he does not wish for the men to eat
first before battle but instead fight on an empty stomach because he
, wishes to kill Hector as soon as possible. Both of these examples also
show his narrowmindedness as Achilles does not realise that if the Greeks
lose, he shall not achieve glory through his heroic death and if the men
are tired and exhausted thus being unable to fight, he shall lose to Hector
in the end. These further prove the idea that Achilles’ character is static
he remains unable to look beyond his personal issues when solving a
problem.
On the other hand, one could argue that Achilles character is not static
and that his character develops significantly throughout the Iliad. In the
extract Achilles wants to let go of his rivalry with Agamemnon and move
forward stating that they “must master (their) pride” however in book 9
Achilles states that noting Agamemnon can do will “win (him) over.” The
events of the books such as Patroclus’ death have perhaps forced him to
develop emotionally which allows him to finally let go of his petty
grievances and move on. Additionally, as opposed to before, Achilles now
recognises the consequences of his actions and the mistakes he made as
a leader. Achilles’ acknowledges how his fight with Agamemnon has not
been beneficial to both of them and it was only Hector who “profited from
their quarrel.” Him openly admitting his mistakes shows how Achilles has
also matured as a leader since he is willing to recognise his own faults
now. Furthermore, Achilles shows signs of character development
throughout the book, not just the end. In book he is willing to meet the
Greeks and Patroclus halfway by temporarily setting aside his anger when
the Greeks were actually in danger of losing as he sent his men under the
leadership of Patroclus to scare the Trojans away. Achilles was ready to be
selfless and help the Greeks although he had nothing to gain in return.
This proves Achilles’ development as a person as he was kinder and unlike
before acted more reasonable. Moreover, Achilles’ character develops as
he becomes less obstinate. When Achilles wants to fight, Odysseus warns
him that the men need food for energy and although Achilles wants to
fight Hector immediately, he eventually allows the men to eat and
although he himself does not eat, it at least shows a willingness to listen
to Odysseus and proves he is becoming less stubborn and prioritising the
soldiers. Finally, after. Patroclus dies, Achilles’ character undergoes a
major character change as his grief transforms him. Achilles’ grief for
Patroclus now becomes his motivating factor for battle instead of glory
and fame which shows his development from the beginning of the Iliad.
The conclusion reached is that Achilles’ character has no capacity for
development and remains static. Although Achilles has some minor
changes developmentally, for the most part of the Iliad he retains his main
character flaws some being his anger, selfishness, and stubbornness
which continue to impact his leadership and relationships.
How sympathetic is Virgil's portrayal of the Italians Book 7
The Trojans and the journey they have been through is pitiful however they are not only
presented this way as their strength as a people is emphasised throughout the Aeneid
One could argue that the Trojans are presented in a pitiful manner during the fall of Troy.
The Trojans take the horse into the city walls only out of respect for Minerva. This creates
pity for them as the reader is forced to witness how their piety and good qualities as
humans bring their downfall.
In addition to the character Laocoon is pitiful as the Trojans do not listen to his warning and
his attempts to stop this is further pitiful as he is brutally killed by Minerva who sends
snakes. As well as his sons are also punished by his attempts to save his people as they are
choked by the snakes as well. This is overall pitiful as his trying to save his some left him
dead and the reader would sympathise with his innocent young sons’ death too.
Moreover, Priam is pitiful as the old man’s final moments are a tragedy. Priam’s son is
stabbed violently in front of him and the is pitiful to a Roman audience who valued father-
son relationships. As well as, before he is killed, Priam tries to defend himself and fight. The
description of the old frail man feebly holding his son is pitiful as it shows the desperation he
felt to survive Phyrrus.
The Trojans are further presented as pitiful as Palinurus fell off the boat and was killed by a
gang of Italians. This creates pity as he was left unburied and unable to enter the
underworld and unable to enter the underworld. Furthermore, Deiphobus is a pitiful as his
butchered nose and ears by the Greeks invoked pity from the reader as we realise the extent
of the violence the Trojans received from the Greeks.
Additionally, Nisus and Euryalus are pitiful. Euryalus’ shattered white breast and comparison
to a cut down scarlet flower by a plough is pitiful as it shows how he was cut down tragically
in the peak of his youth and life altogether by an unnatural forces. As well as Nisus’ death is
pitiful as he dies defending his lover. He rushes into Volcens and his men knowing he will die
regardless and this invokes pity as he sacrifices his life in order to find justice for Euryalus
and unite them in death.
Moreover, Euryalus’ mother is presented as pitiful as she is forced to witness her child’s dead
body without a chance to say goodbye. This is pitiful as her wails as a mother even saddened
the Trojan camp and the reader feels pity for the grieving mother who lost her only child.
On the other hand one could argue that the Trojans aren’t only presented pitifully but as
strong warriors. Dido’s sister Anna believes that Dido should keep the Trojans in Carthage
because of the military advantages they bring. Their ability to protect Carthage emphasised
their strength as they are people to be feared no pitied.
Lastly, the Trojans are not to be pitied during their fight against Turnus and Italians. Despite
inferiority they manage to last against Turnus’ men and defend the Trojan camp by tactically
,retreating into the camp. This shows their intelligence and reduces pity for them by
demonstrating they are not weak
In conclusion, the Trojans are mainly presented pitifully. Although their military and battle
strength show them too be warriors, overall many Trojan’s throughout meet pitiful deaths
through pitiful circumstances that was often undeserving.
‘Achilles’ character has no capacity for development; his
character is conceived as static.’ Explain how far you agree with
this statement. Use Passage B as a starting point. (20)
Achilles character in the Iliad can be perceived as static because he has
no capacity for development. One could argue that throughout the Iliad
Achilles remains the same angry, petty, and selfish character. In the
extract, Achilles still talks about how Agamemnon’s dishonour “still
rankles” him which shows that even after all that he and Agamemnon
have been through since then and despite the larger problems that they
face, Achilles is still not able to move forward from what Agamemnon did.
Additionally, Achilles is shown to lack a character development as
throughout the Iliad he refuses to grow emotionally he stays consumed by
his anger and retains his thirst for vengeance. In book 1 Achilles gets so
angry at Agamemnon that he fears that he cannot control his “angry
impulse” and Athena even has to come down and talk to him which shows
how he cannot control his anger and in book 22, Achilles becomes almost
animalistic in his anger towards Hector whom he hunted like a “timid
dove” after Patroclus’ death showing that throughout the book, Achilles
anger if left unchecked, could consume him and he failed to learn how to
control it, highlighting his lack of character development. Furthermore,
Achilles’ character is shows to lack development as in the Iliad, when he
faces a challenge, he does not try to solve it on his own but instead tries
to get his mother Thetis to do so on his behalf. For example in book 1
Thetis goes to ask Zeus for a favour on Achilles’ behalf and in book after
Achilles has lost his armour, Thetis goes again to Olympus to ask
Hephaestus to make Achilles new armour. His reliance on his mum stays
consistent during the books and his independence from his mother also
does not develop. Moreover, in the Iliad, Achilles proves to have no
capacity for development as he holds on to his key characteristics such as
selfishness during the course of the books. Achilles refuses to see the
bigger picture and is content in hurting Greeks if he gets his way. In book
1, after Briseas is taken from him, Achilles prays for the downfall of the
Greeks which are supposed to be his allies just to teach Agamemnon a
lesson and he almost lets all of the Greeks lose to the Trojans in doing so.
This is similarly shown in book when he does not wish for the men to eat
first before battle but instead fight on an empty stomach because he
, wishes to kill Hector as soon as possible. Both of these examples also
show his narrowmindedness as Achilles does not realise that if the Greeks
lose, he shall not achieve glory through his heroic death and if the men
are tired and exhausted thus being unable to fight, he shall lose to Hector
in the end. These further prove the idea that Achilles’ character is static
he remains unable to look beyond his personal issues when solving a
problem.
On the other hand, one could argue that Achilles character is not static
and that his character develops significantly throughout the Iliad. In the
extract Achilles wants to let go of his rivalry with Agamemnon and move
forward stating that they “must master (their) pride” however in book 9
Achilles states that noting Agamemnon can do will “win (him) over.” The
events of the books such as Patroclus’ death have perhaps forced him to
develop emotionally which allows him to finally let go of his petty
grievances and move on. Additionally, as opposed to before, Achilles now
recognises the consequences of his actions and the mistakes he made as
a leader. Achilles’ acknowledges how his fight with Agamemnon has not
been beneficial to both of them and it was only Hector who “profited from
their quarrel.” Him openly admitting his mistakes shows how Achilles has
also matured as a leader since he is willing to recognise his own faults
now. Furthermore, Achilles shows signs of character development
throughout the book, not just the end. In book he is willing to meet the
Greeks and Patroclus halfway by temporarily setting aside his anger when
the Greeks were actually in danger of losing as he sent his men under the
leadership of Patroclus to scare the Trojans away. Achilles was ready to be
selfless and help the Greeks although he had nothing to gain in return.
This proves Achilles’ development as a person as he was kinder and unlike
before acted more reasonable. Moreover, Achilles’ character develops as
he becomes less obstinate. When Achilles wants to fight, Odysseus warns
him that the men need food for energy and although Achilles wants to
fight Hector immediately, he eventually allows the men to eat and
although he himself does not eat, it at least shows a willingness to listen
to Odysseus and proves he is becoming less stubborn and prioritising the
soldiers. Finally, after. Patroclus dies, Achilles’ character undergoes a
major character change as his grief transforms him. Achilles’ grief for
Patroclus now becomes his motivating factor for battle instead of glory
and fame which shows his development from the beginning of the Iliad.
The conclusion reached is that Achilles’ character has no capacity for
development and remains static. Although Achilles has some minor
changes developmentally, for the most part of the Iliad he retains his main
character flaws some being his anger, selfishness, and stubbornness
which continue to impact his leadership and relationships.
How sympathetic is Virgil's portrayal of the Italians Book 7
