Honor and Masculinity in Homeric Iliad (Case Study Sample)

HONOR AND MASCULINITY IN HOMERIC ILIAD
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The Greek culture in Homer’s time places a strong emphasis on the development of character to reflect the values of honor and excellence. The Iliad captures honor through the masculinity of its characters. Since the Greeks believed that honor should be demonstrable in both deed and words, they took great risk and initiative to prove to society their commitment to these ideals. The desire for honor and glory results in the Trojan War and the menagerie of events that unfold in Books 1-4 of Homer’s Iliad are a testament to this. The most excellent explication of honor can be noted in characters who demonstrate masculine tendencies.
As the Trojan War rages on and takes longer than expected to conclude, Thersites, a commoner despised by almost everyone, advises the warriors to retreat and go home. This invocation offends Odysseus, who is a respected warrior and, in turn, strikes Thersites down, much to the adulation of the masses. According to Odysseus, it makes no sense to fight for such a long time only to home without the spoils of war. Aspects of manliness help define the character of Odysseus in this instance and help to honor the name of the Warriors, who have vowed to defeat their enemy. Because Odysseus has gained much honor and excellence in battle, he is viewed as more manly than Thersites, an ordinary man with no reputation.[Graziosi, Barbara, and Johannes Haubold. "Homeric Masculinity: ΗΝΟΡΕΗ and ΑΓΗΝΟΡΙΗ." Journal of Hellenic Studies (2003): 68]
In the Iliad, men consider the possession of beautiful women such as Briseis, Helen, and Chryseis, a big status symbol. It adds to the development of the perception of masculinity, which in turn translates into honor that brings respect to the warrior among his peers. For this reason, Agamemnon takes Chryseis as his possession. Chryseis is a beautiful girl and the girl’s father, Chryses is aggrieved. He views this as an imperative for him to do everything in his power to win his daughter back. To achieve this end he makes a journey to meet Agamemnon to persuade him to release his daughter back to him. With much respect and deference to Agamemnon, he offers to pay ransom to Agamemnon as the price for the girl. The father, driven by notions of honor and his masculinity, must try to save his daughter.[Proch, Celina, and Michael Kleu. "Models of Masculinities in TROY: Achilles, Hector and Their Female Partners." Ancient Worlds in Film and Television: Gender and Politics (2012): 175.]
Agamemnon, feeling hurt and wound by this suggestion, declines to grant this request and threatens that he will kill Chryses. His manhood is clearly pricked, and his honor cannot take this. After some time, the girl is returned to the father, but Agamemnon seeks alternative compensation to assuage his pricked manhood. When Agamemnon takes Achilles’s girl Briseis as a replacement for Chryseis, Achilles feels wronged because Briseis belongs to him. This act can be viewed as an insult to his masculinity and honor, and he seeks the help of the gods to revenge this flagrant violation of his masculinity.[Ibid. p.70.]
The theft of Helen by Paris from Menelaus is a big blow to the honor of Menelaus, who starts a war against the Trojans. The Spartans, led by Menelaus and the warrior leader Agamemnon view this theft of Helen a spat on Menelaus’s honor. They attack the Trojans and cause a long war. The honor of Menelaus is offended, which reduces his standing among fellow men if he does not take any action. This is why he decides to defend his honor and get back his manliness by waging war against the Trojans. This war leads to massive loss of life and property, but the dogs of war see no need to end it until it is won because it will help them regain their status and honor. Standing down in wartime is just cowardly and unmanly in the Greek culture since it reduces one’s honor among his peers and the society.[Ibid. p. 72.] [Ransom, Christopher. "Aspects of Effeminacy and Masculinity in the Iliad."Antichthon 45 (2011): 36.]
Finally, Zeus is approached for help by the Trojans. This request worries Zeus because he feels that his wife, Hera, who doubles as the queen god, will be offended by this request. In...