After reading The Illiad and watching the movie Troy, I feel as if I just have seen two different characters. One I found to be a lazy, honorless prince who really is selfish, and the other being lovesick cowardly pretty boy who's mantra seems to be "I'm a lover, not a fighter" but somewhat has a sense of pride only after being shocked by his brother's death. When reading about Paris I hated him (more like loathed...). Then watching the movie, I began to pity him and somewhat understand his logic in bringing Helen to Troy, however stupid. Both irritate me , its just the question of which one I felt sorry for.
What Paris, do you think, is more true to what Paris really was or is? Just a misunderstood lover boy? Or a selfish lazy Prince?
I myself found him to be a spoiled pretty boy who thought only of himself. Taking things without caring what the consequence would be just because he thought he should have them. He was a coward who hid behind their big brother, figuring he would take care of any trouble that may come his way. Growing up he was probably given everything he ever wanted so once he grew up he just continued the selfishness and greed.
ReplyDeleteExcellent discussion! I think another way to look at it, another way to approach it is to ask what Paris is meant to teach or show us. What lessons do we learn from him, from his example, choices, etc.? I think you're both spot on with your analysis--the question before us now is why was he depicted this way, to what purpose? Is it simply plot device, a stock character who acts as catalyst, or is there something else? After all, for all his failings, Paris is undeniably human, subject to mistakes, weakness, and poor choices, like all of us.
ReplyDeleteI guess amongst all the powerful there has to be someone who is weak, someone who is susceptible to his flaws. It creates a foil for all the great heroes of the story and maybe someone the reader can understand in a sense. For example, how many people do you know who is so obsessed with honor they are willing to risk their lives? Me personally, none. But you do know lazy selfish people at work or school who are willing to let people fight for them as they feel entitled to something. You may not like them, but you know them. That could be it.
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