h talk”, and their conflict as fist fight of sorts. However, The IIliad shows up that situations like this are best if avoided. Many men would not have thecourage to walk away from a fight for fear of being called a “coward” or “wuss”. What these men do not realize is that there is honor to be found in doing what is right, not necessarily popular. Glaucus and Diomedes placed the honor or their ancestors above their own need and desire to engage in battle. Their counterparts might have though it foolish, perhaps even cowardly, to lay down their arms, but this did not phase these twomen of honor. The concept of respecting one’s elders is also presented in this scene. Often today, young people are accused of being disrespectful of their elders, or parents.The Iliad gives us reason to believe that such acts are not the works os honorable men.Just as Glaucus and Diomedes did what they did for the sake of their elders, young peopletoday should follow their lead and take steps to ensure their actions are respectful and wellrepresentative of their ancestors. This whole idea can be summed up by Glaucus’ statement of what his father once told him: “Always be the best my boy, the bravest, and hold your head up high above the others. never disgrace the generation of your fathers.”(Virtual Iliad) Through time, many men have fought courageously for causes they find to be justPage 3and worthy of battling for. Such men have risked their lives, their freedom, and their loved ones to achieve what they feel is right. Others, however, have stood sheepishly on the sidelines and watch others fight their struggle for them. Today we see political leaders rallying troops to fight their fight, without ever the slightest notion of stepping onto the battle field themselves. Their lost sense of nobility is also seen in Paris, from The Iliad. Not only does he withhold himself from most conflict, Pa...
