The Iliad Persuasive Essay
Achilleus versus Hektor – who’s the real hero?
Objective:
 To write an essay that takes a firm position on the given topic with compelling arguments, recognition of
counterarguments, and rebuttals to the counterarguments. Specific examples and quotes from the text must be
used.
Essay Topic:
 Traditionally, Achilleus is viewed as the hero of the Greek epic poem, the Iliad. He is the protagonist and the
greatest Greek warrior; however, many modern-day readers view Hektor as the true hero, rather than his intended
role as antagonist. What is your opinion? Do you believe Achilleus is the true hero of the text or is Hektor? You
may believe both exhibit acts of heroism and you may even mention this in your paper, but you still must take a firm
position in favor of one of the two and then explain why you are choosing in favor of either Achilleus or Hektor.
Proving your Point through examples
 Your argument will be stronger if you reference the text, giving specific examples to back up your assertions.
 You should ONLY cite lines from our textbook. For this reason, you will not need a Works Cited page.
 When citing examples from the text, you should have a combination of the following:
Paraphrasing (summarize sections of the book in your own words, citing the chapter they are from)
Direct Quote (must include page and line number)
Format
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600-900 words
Double spaced
Creative Title
MLA Format (cite your quotes)
Don’t use ‘I’ or ‘you’ in your paper
Use present tense when analyzing literature
Turn your paper into Turnitin.com by midnight of the due date.
Grading
 The essay is worth 100 points and is 15% of your summative grade.
 Points will be deducted if the above format is not followed.
 You will be graded using a detailed rubric.
Deadline
 Your final paper is due Thursday, February 20th by midnight on Turnitin.com (no hard copies accepted).
 If you are not enrolled in the class on Turnitin, Mrs. Keskes will give you directions on how to enroll our first day in
the lab.
Schedule
 Mon (Feb. 17) Prepare to write (class activities and additional materials provided)
 Tues (Feb. 18) Watch the Seven Ancient Wonders of Ancient Greece (Mrs. Keskes absent)
 Wed (Feb. 19) Lab 204. Work on essays. Get enrolled into the class on Turnitin.
 Thurs (Feb. 20) Lab 300. Work on essays. Due at midnight.
Organizing your essay (suggestions):
 Suggestion #1:
Introduction:
Attention Getter
Bridge
Thesis – state who the hero is
Body Paragraphs (three):
Each paragraph should state one reason why he (Hektor or Achilleus) is the hero
Each paragraph should provide a counterargument to the reason given
Each paragraph should provide a rebuttal to the counterargument
Each paragraph should include at least one direct quote from the text
Conclusion:
Restate your thesis
Bridge
Creative Ending
 Suggestion #2:
Introduction:
Attention Getter
Bridge
Thesis – state who the hero is
Body Paragraphs (two or three):
Each paragraph should state one reason why he (Hektor or Achilleus) is the hero
Each paragraph should include at least one direct quote from the text
Counterargument Paragraph:
States one or more counterarguments
States all rebuttals to counterargument
Should include at least one direct quote from the text
Conclusion:
Restate your thesis
Bridge
Creative Ending
Suggestion One Sample Body Paragraph (with argument, counterargument, and rebuttal):
In addition to being a man admired by both Greeks and Trojans, another strong argument for Hektor as the true
hero of the Iliad is the irrefutable fact that the poem ends with his funeral. All of the important female Trojan figures in
the poem, Andromache, Hekabe, and Helen, pay homage to this great man, citing all of the wonderful deeds he did in his
lifetime. In particular, Helen, born a Greek, declares Hektor’s kindness when all others are harsh by saying, “There was
no other in all the wide Troad who was kind to me, and my friend; all others shrank when they saw me” (387, lines 323324). Hekabe, Hektor’s mother, mentions the love that not only the Trojans, but the gods themselves, had for him. “While
you still lived for me you were dear to the gods, and even in the stage of death they cared about you still” (387, lines 298299). Some may argue that the ending is logical for the Iliad because the conflict is resolved – Achilleus’ rage dissolves.
However, if this is the case, why not simply end the Iliad with Achilleus’ meeting with Priam? Instead, the Iliad ends
with the line, “Such was their burial of Hektor, breaker of horses” (388, line 353), making Hektor the last character
mentioned. Does it not seem Achilleus should be mentioned last if he is the real hero?