Love is His Downfall

Love is His Downfall

In the Iliad Achilles has been enraged by the loss of his loved ones.  He Lost Briseis to Agamemnon and refused to join the fight against the Trojans.  Achilles loved Briseis so much that when she was taken he felt hurt and dishonored:

“But you the gods have replaced your heart with flint and malice, because of one girl, one single girl, while we are offering you seven of the finest women to be found and many other gifts” (Iliad 9.657-662). 

He wouldn’t let Agamemnon atone for his actions against him.  This stubbornness led to Patroclus’ death which could’ve been avoided had he not cared so deeply for Briseis.  Now that Patroclus is dead Achilles shifts his rage from Agamemnon to Hector and the Trojans.  We later find out that after the Iliad Achilles is killed during the siege of Troy.  A siege, had he not lost Patroclus, someone he loved, he may not be a part of.  Therefore Patroclus’ death led to his own.  Patroclus may not have died if Agamemnon had not taken Briseis his love because Achilles would not have stayed out of the fight forcing Patroclus to join using Achilles’ armor.  Before if had chosen to leave and go out and have a family his honor and his name would’ve been lost:

“If I stay here and fight, I’ll never return home, but my glory will be undying forever. If I return home to my dear fatherland my glory is lost but my life will be long…” (Iliad 9.425-428).

Therefore love was Achilles’ overall downfall no matter what route he chose.  This equates dying and lost honor as a downfall.