Page 16 - GALIET THE WALL, THE SPEAR, THE ROSE AND THE QUEST FOR THE 4 CARDINAL CORNERS: Hektor of Troy IV

decision to stay and wait for Achilles. Pope, in his criticism, however, asserts that there is no mention of this “hope” throughout the Iliad. His defence rests on five arguments, which attest to the strength of Achilles. First and foremost, Priam reminds Hektor that he can’t compare his strength to Achilles’ might. Second, in Book 18, Homer reminds us that just seeing, and hearing Achilles unarmed terrifies and causes panic in the Trojan army. Third, in Book 19, Homer also reminds us that just hearing the sounds of the celestial arms given by Hephaestus to Achilles is enough to even frighten his own troops, the Myrmidons. Fourth, in Book 20, Achilles nearly kills Aeneas and Hektor. Hektor just happens to be saved because Apollo intervenes. Fifth, Achilles, in brute rage, slaughters many Trojans while King Priam saves the rest by opening the gates (p. 1034). Given this evidence, Pope reiterates Dacier’s argument that Hektor “does not hope to overcome Achilles,” that it is the fear of “shame” and “dread of reproach” that brings his death and, ultimately, the fall of Ilion. Indeed, in Book 6, Hektor tells Andromache that it would be shameful of him if he didn’t fight in the front ranks and in Book 22, he fears that Polydamas and all Trojans will blame him for his folly and the destruction of Troy.
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