Through his depiction of the great Greek heroes of the Trojan War, Homer professes everything worth saying about Greek society of the Classical Period, transforming the Iliad into a biography of the Greek people. As shown by the qualities of the revered warriors Achilles and Hector, the value of integrity is central to the Greek character. In the epic poem, integrity is defined as an unbending devotion to one’s beliefs and steadfastness in pursuit of the social good. In the Iliad, Homer presents this virtue as both a personal value and a social relation. Achilles, the most highly regarded warrior of the Achaean army, epitomizes a sense of individualistic integrity, repeatedly alienating himself from society in order to stay true to his credo. On the other hand, Hector, the commander of the Trojans, sees his actions within the communal context, which culminates in his death as a faithful disciple of the Greek social code. The emphasis placed on the contrasting sense of self-definition of Achilles and Hector reveals the conflict between personal integrity versus integrity in a societal context, values venerated by Greeks in Homer’s time. By highlighting the significance of both, Homer encourages the Greeks to strive to embody both kinds of integrity in order to be model citizens.
Initially, by directing his attention towards Achilles’ tenacity in the face of challenges, Homer depicts individual integrity as a vital element of leadership and a fundamental characteristic of an exemplary Greek warrior. Throughout the Iliad, Achilles is commended as the most powerful fighter in the Trojan War based on not only his superior strength, but also his unmatched sense of personal integrity. From the beginning of the poem, Homer zeroes in on the hero’s fiercely uncompromising character and its effect on the events that follow. The main conflict of the poem arises from Achilles’ oath towards Agamemnon, as he declares to the Achaean king, “nothing you do can save you,” and subsequently removes himself from the ranks of the Greek army (1. 272-286). As the plot advances, it is clear that each of Achilles’ actions reflects his beliefs, as Achilles immediately rejects the incentive of Odysseus’ embassy, asserting that no one, not even his closest friends, can convince him “for all the world,” even if it were to save his own people (9. 375-468). Further, Achilles’ steadfastness in avenging the death of Patroclus empowers him to perform superhuman deeds that defy the realm of mortals, such as starving himself before fighting Hector (19. 254-257). On his killing rampage against Hector, the Greek hero is compared to a “blazing star” that “far outshines the countless stars,” implying that his diligence transcends that of any other warrior (22. 31-36). Although Achilles’ integrity can be viewed as stubbornness, his commitment to personal convictions is what ultimately allows him to succeed in avenging his dear friend in battle, a value exalted by Greeks of the time.
Alternatively, Hector, the Prince of Troy, represents the value of integrity in a societal context, and stands as a model citizen of Greece. Hector’s integrity is distinct because his principles do not only comprise of his own hopes and beliefs, but also encompass a fulfillment of social obligations under the stringent rules of the Greek heroic code. For example, when Hector finds his brother Paris “fondling his splendid battle-gear,” he shames him, shouting that “your people are dying around the city” (6. 250-257). He tells Helen, “My heart races to help our Trojans” (6. 296-298). Given his words, it is known that Hector understands that war is not child’s play, but fierce battle in which thousands of lives are lost. Despite imminent defeat, Hector does not back down because he understands that the fate of the nation is at stake, and this sense causes him to fight to his last drop of blood. Further, Hector consistently puts his personal agenda aside for the greater good of the Greeks. He responds to his fearful wife Andromache, “Fate? No one alive has ever escaped it” (6. 444-4448). Hector’s care for his wife mirrors his care for his people, and reinforces the image of him as a benevolent leader. Hector’s integrity in the context of the Greek community adds a layer of complexity for the Greek people in retaining a balance between adhering to personal principles and upholding established social standards.
In conclusion, the heroes of the Iliad epitomize the values admired by Greeks of Homer’s time. It is evident that integrity, defined by Homer as the protection of moral principles, was the driving force behind their actions and a basis for leadership. However, with the clash between individual integrity and societal integrity in the poem, it is clear that there are different interpretations of the role of integrity within Greek society. By revealing both, Homer shows the need for individual integrity, embodied by Achilles, who arguably proved to be the better soldier, and societal integrity, manifested by Hector, who proved to be the better Greek citizen. It was up to the Greek commoner to discover an equilibrium.