Pride and Humility

Pride

As the poem approaches the climactic confrontation between Achilles and Hector, the latter is the only Trojan who remains outside Ilium's walls. His parents and wife beg him to come inside. He is tempted but remains outside. Why?

"Ah me, if I should pass inside the gates
the first to shame me will be Poulydamas
who bade me lead the Trojans back to the city
on that bodeful night when Achilles appeared,
but I paid him no mind as I wish I had.
Now that my folly has cost countless men
I feel ashamed to face the Trojan people . . . ."
(22.99).

Humility

Priam, a powerful monarch, enters Achilles' lodge to beg for return of Hector's corpse. He clasps Achilles' knees, kisses his hands, and says:

"Respect the gods, Achilles, and pity me
as you would your father. Most pitiable am I,
for never has any mortal father stooped
and pressed his lips to the hand that slew his sons."
(24.503).

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