Human Agency Is Nonexistent Throughout The Books - 895 Words

The concept of human agency is nonexistent throughout the books in the Iliad. Well, at least it seems that way. The gods constantly intervene and change the fates of certain warriors and events as they please, â€Å"†¦but Aphrodite snatched Paris away.† (3.439) this shows Aphrodite carrying Paris away before he is about to die by the hands of Menelaus, thus changing Paris’ fate. However, there are parts in the epic that show signs of free will. There is a place in the Iliad where human agency does exist. It exists in the fierce, yet gentle, warrior named Patroclus. He chose to beg Achilles for his armor to push the Trojans back to their walls. Patroclus, wearing Achilles’ armor, did not just wear the armor to appear as Achilles and scare the†¦show more content†¦This passage conveys humans having intentions on doing things that they feel is right, but they do not have control over the environment. The passage shows characteristics of animal agency. Patroclus had the intentions to charge into battle, hoping to push back the Trojans far enough for the Achaeans to be safe for another day, but he could not control the situation, as he did not intend for a god to attack him. As Patroclus is stunned in battle, Hector watches over him like prey. Hector is a warrior of the Trojans and so it is his duty to attack those who are a threat to his people. Hector shows animal agency by observing his enemy and waiting for an opportunity to attack Patroclus at his weakest point. â€Å"Hector waiting, watching the greathearted Patroclus trying to stagger free† (16.952-953) shows that he is watching Patroclus from a distance because he knows that if they fight up front, he will surely lose. Hector is â€Å"watching† Patroclus like a predator watches its prey. Patroclus tries to â€Å"stagger free† is showing us that he is frightened and is trying to reach out to escape or fi nd help. Human actions are intentional and have reasons to why they have been performed. The passage shows how empowered one gets once they get a taste of victory. Patroclus was simply worried about his brothers out at war, fighting for survival as the Trojans are closing onto their ships. He urges Achilles for his