Within this document is an analysis of four characters in the movie Troy with a specific focus on four of the essential themes in greek culture (Timé or Honour, Areté or Virtue & Greatness, Kleos or Fame and Legend, and Akleos which means to die without Fame and Honour) and how each character emphasizes one of the aforementioned themes.
Timé/Honour (Hector)
Throughout the movie Troy the character Hector emphasizes the theme of honour in both his demeanor and his actions. One of Hector's many honourable actions is when he protects his brother Paris after he is easily defeated in combat by the physically superior King Menelaus. Instead of allowing Paris to die by Menelaus’ blade, Hector makes the honourable decision to thrust his own blade …show more content…
A good example of the kings virtue is when he allows Helen of Sparta to remain in Troy with his son Paris. Priam understands Paris’ love for Helen, and he understands the consequences of sending her back to Menelaus. If he was to put Helen on a ship back to Sparta there is no question that she would be executed by Menelaus. On top of this, the Greeks would invade Troy regardless, due to the fact that Menelaus had already gone to Agamemnon for support in a conflict between nations. Agamemnon’s immense desire to conquer Troy would lead to an invasion regardless of the status of his brothers marriage. Because of the foreseen consequences, Priam makes the virtuous decision to allow her to remain in Troy which in turn, saves her life. Another example of Priam’s virtuous actions is when he travels to the Greek war camp to ask Achilles for Hector’s body in order to give him a proper burial. Priam knows the dangers of travelling into enemy territory, but does it regardless out of love and honour for his son, believing him worthy of a proper burial. To conclude, Priam is the embodiment of virtue and greatness. This is evident in his positive actions and powerful leadership of a country that is under constant threat of invasion from the Greek
Timé/Honour (Hector)
Throughout the movie Troy the character Hector emphasizes the theme of honour in both his demeanor and his actions. One of Hector's many honourable actions is when he protects his brother Paris after he is easily defeated in combat by the physically superior King Menelaus. Instead of allowing Paris to die by Menelaus’ blade, Hector makes the honourable decision to thrust his own blade …show more content…
A good example of the kings virtue is when he allows Helen of Sparta to remain in Troy with his son Paris. Priam understands Paris’ love for Helen, and he understands the consequences of sending her back to Menelaus. If he was to put Helen on a ship back to Sparta there is no question that she would be executed by Menelaus. On top of this, the Greeks would invade Troy regardless, due to the fact that Menelaus had already gone to Agamemnon for support in a conflict between nations. Agamemnon’s immense desire to conquer Troy would lead to an invasion regardless of the status of his brothers marriage. Because of the foreseen consequences, Priam makes the virtuous decision to allow her to remain in Troy which in turn, saves her life. Another example of Priam’s virtuous actions is when he travels to the Greek war camp to ask Achilles for Hector’s body in order to give him a proper burial. Priam knows the dangers of travelling into enemy territory, but does it regardless out of love and honour for his son, believing him worthy of a proper burial. To conclude, Priam is the embodiment of virtue and greatness. This is evident in his positive actions and powerful leadership of a country that is under constant threat of invasion from the Greek