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Essay / Achilles and Job as Characters Compared from the Iliad
Throughout human history, people have been fascinated by the role of the “hero.” The idea that someone would be willing to risk their life for someone else never ceases to amaze. Just take a trip to Washington, DC. Monuments and memorials to Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Washington himself have elevated these individuals to the status of demigods in this country. This idea of the hero extends to the field of sport, with statues of great players and coaches in front of stadium gates, inviting everyone to contemplate their glory. The heroic concept is not new, rather it has been around since the beginning of recorded history. Obvious heroes like Achilles, blessed with unmatched rage and fighting ability, often overshadow the “lessers,” like Job, submissive and steadfast. The idea behind the hero dominates the way we see the world. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Achilles was a man wrapped in a legendary fable. He was the child of a god and immortal except in his heel. He is described as “strong, quick, and God-like” (Book I, line 129). His combat skill was incomparable, except for his fury. The opening lines of Homer's Iliad speak of Achilles' famous temper and are as follows: “Rage: sings; Goddess, the rage of Achilles, black and murderous, which cost the Greeks incalculable pain” (Book I, lines 1-3). When he fought, he turned the tide of battle in favor of the Greeks. Otherwise, the Trojans gained the upper hand. Odysseus even goes so far as to say "It is doubtful whether we can save the ships without your (Achilles') strength" (Book IX, line 234). Achilles is a hero because of his ability to win battles. He is famous for his infamous rage which resulted in the loss of many men. He only cares about his own glory. And still today, he is remembered as a legend and a hero. Achilles is remembered for what he accomplished. On the other hand, Job is remembered more for what he did not do. In other words, disobeying and dishonoring God. He was “blame and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil” (Job 1:1). He was the holiest man possible. He was also surrounded by all the physical things a man could want: a large family, abundant land, and thousands of slaves and draft animals. Suddenly, God took everything from him. When he heard the news, what did Job do? The Bible says that he “got up and tore his robe and shaved his head.” Then he fell to the ground in worship and said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.” The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; May the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:20-21). Job could have rebelled against God, but instead he submitted. In the next chapter, Job is confronted by his wife after having painful sores all over his body. She tells her husband to curse God and then die. He responds calmly: “You sound like a stupid woman. Should we accept good from God and not trouble? (Job 2:10). Once again he is given the opportunity to retaliate in anger against God, and again he refuses. Many people today don't consider Job a hero, but in reality, it takes the greatest hero of all to be able to submit to things that no one understands. Although Job and Achilles are both heroes, they are extremely different. Achilles was a man of action. He invoked fear in his enemies, for the Trojans were “indeed terrified that Achilles, after a long absence, should return” (Book XVIII, line 264-265). He fought with passion and vigor and struck the soldiers en masse. He was also..