인간성을 향한 아킬레우스의 분노의 여정: 필멸의 삶에서 불멸성으로

Abstract

This essay examines the role Achilles’ wrath plays in his humanization process as well as his pursuit of immortality available only to mortal beings. Countering many critics’ assumption that Achilles becomes completely human when his wrath turns into compassion in his encounter with Priam, this essay argues that the change that takes place in the nature of his wrath because of his loss of Patroclus is much more significant in his humanization process than the ultimate dissolution of his wrath into compassion. Specifically, before Patroclus’ death, Achilles’ wrath targeted mainly toward Agamemnon is uncontrollable and relentless due to the insecure nature of his status as a demi-god. Although his wrath displayed toward Hector who has slain Patroclus looks similarly overpowering and irrepressible, its nature has fundamentally changed in that it is completely human. Patroclus’ death can bring about such a drastic and radical change in Achilles’ wrath as it serves as the occasion for his realization that the choice between a glorious yet short life and a dishonorable yet long life has never been his to make and that it will never be. This realization leads Achilles to choose to commit himself completely to his wrath. His wrath expressed in both “superhuman” and sub-human ways enables him to transcend norms and expectations of Iliadic culture as well as his own character, thereby making it possible for him to directly confront human mortality as it is without the shield of such concepts as timê or kleos. By thus wrestling with mortality through his wrath, Achilles tragically yet heroically defies the controlling power of his fate and aspires to true immortality which is not available to the gods in Olympus because of their immortal life.