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The Excellence of Achilles and Agamemnon in the Iliad

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Achilles and Agamemnon are the two great men in the Iliad, yet they behave in ways that are destructive to their men. The question is to look for the excellence of each man. What qualities and/or examples and explain why they contribute to his excellence.

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The solution suggests some ways in which Achilles and Agamemnon display their excellence in the Iliad.

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In the case of both Achilles and Agamemnon, the student should consider their physical appearance and physical strength. Look at the adjectives that Homer uses to describe Achilles and Agamemnon. Are they handsome? Ugly? Contrast the figure of Thersites in Iliad 2. Also, consider their physical prowess. Do they do mighty deeds on the battlefield? (For the valor of Achilles in battle, see especially Iliad 18-22). Are they cowards on the battlefield?

Regarding valor in battle, some mention ...

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