For day 6 of the Ili-advent Calendar, we have two sets of 'on-point' annotated graphics. Before those, though, here are the themes of the book: fate and the gods and love.
Whilst the former books depict Homer’s violent litany of
mass destruction and vivid descriptions of warfare, book 6 exemplifies a
different type of confrontational atmosphere in Troy that allows for the audience to
receive a broadening perception of the Trojans and incites sympathy and
personalization amongst them to characterize and explore their humanity.
Firstly, the exploration of fate and free will alongside the
divine interaction is present in this book. The Trojans desperately attempt to confront the turning
tides in battle and hope that a meaningful sacrifice might change Athena’s
opinion of Troy or at least dispose her toward mercy. Hector is sent off
back to Troy to instruct his mother, amongst others, to lay her finest dress for Athena in hope of halting Diomedes’ destructive rampage. This results in failure
as the Trojans are unaware of the side Athena has taken, ironically due to the
actions of Paris in naming Aphrodite the most beautiful goddess. This evokes empathy
from the audience as the Trojans struggle to curb that of their impending
tragic fate.
This is further narrated in Astyanax’s mention in this book, where Hector notably prays to Zeus, in the hope that one day his son will become a strong warrior and exceed the achievements and heroism of his father. Here, Hector’s son represents the promise of a future generation of men who will grow up to take the places of their fathers. Astyanax is firstly frightened by Hector’s helmet, a sign of his youth, but also a sign of what he might grow up to become if he survives the war. This passage not only personalizes a cherished moment between a father and his infant son, but also evokes further sympathy for the Trojans, as Zeus has already confirmed the imminent destruction of the Ilium and as Agamemnon has for all those who live in it (including the unborn children), much to the unawareness of the Trojans.
Finally, this is reinforced in Hector’s fate which is repeatedly foreshadowed throughout this passage where he tells Andromache not to mourn for him too soon and that no man escapes his fate. He declares that he knows one day the Ilium will fall too, yet he must keep on fighting for glory (kleos: κλέος). However, despite these declarations, the waiting-women already lament his death. This passage further explores characters’ realizations of the futility of this war and their inability to change what is fated yet their duty to carry on fighting which humanizes and characterizes Hector, above all, to be the perfect warrior.
Another theme present in this book is love displayed in the several interactions
Hector has with his family in his visit to Troy. This theme allows the audience
to humanize and personalize the family that is held in hatred by the sons of
Atreus. Firstly, Hector briefly sees his mother, whom he instructs to
make a sacrifice to Athena, of which she selflessly and generously takes out ‘the longest and most richly decorated’
of her dresses for her son. This demonstrates the caring and trusting nature
she has towards her son.
Also, in his interaction with Paris, after immediately berating him for shirking from battle, he eventually compliments him, which demonstrates a stark contrast to the typical joke as which Paris is normally presented, and claims that, despite his weakness, Paris has ‘plenty of courage’. This shows that Hector contains a much deeper and more complex relationship with Paris than anyone else does, as he understands that Paris also has less-revealed positive attributes in addition to his beauty.
And finally, the rich revealing content of his interaction with his wife, Hector declares his determination that he will never stop fighting for the city as he could not bear to see ‘you, when you are dragged of in tears by some bronze –armoured Greek’. Whereas Andromache sees her husband as the saviour and warrior of Troy, yet also as her entire family, due to the deaths of her immediate family at the hands of Achilles and claims that she will have nothing left. This heart-wrenching passage shows Hector to be a family man caring deeply for his loved ones: he will stand by them no matter what. Their lives and family are what they are fighting to preserve and, whilst there is much to be won and gained in battle, there is so much to be lost as well, particularly for those left behind.
Also, in his interaction with Paris, after immediately berating him for shirking from battle, he eventually compliments him, which demonstrates a stark contrast to the typical joke as which Paris is normally presented, and claims that, despite his weakness, Paris has ‘plenty of courage’. This shows that Hector contains a much deeper and more complex relationship with Paris than anyone else does, as he understands that Paris also has less-revealed positive attributes in addition to his beauty.
And finally, the rich revealing content of his interaction with his wife, Hector declares his determination that he will never stop fighting for the city as he could not bear to see ‘you, when you are dragged of in tears by some bronze –armoured Greek’. Whereas Andromache sees her husband as the saviour and warrior of Troy, yet also as her entire family, due to the deaths of her immediate family at the hands of Achilles and claims that she will have nothing left. This heart-wrenching passage shows Hector to be a family man caring deeply for his loved ones: he will stand by them no matter what. Their lives and family are what they are fighting to preserve and, whilst there is much to be won and gained in battle, there is so much to be lost as well, particularly for those left behind.
KT
SB
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