Why Do We Glorify War?

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In this class, we will lead up to evermore complicated forms of war. War today represents the culmination of thousands of years of technology—from spears back then to drones today. But war is not only a chance for countries to show off their latest in technological advancements. War today also represents thousands of years of history and tradition in regards to why war is fought between certain political groups, and the manner in which it is fought. If we wish to understand the horrific instances of war that happened in the 20th and 21st centuries, we must first understand basic components that make up war. The soldier is the most basic building block of a military. (does this make sense?) One of the most fundamental ways we can understand…show more content…
He describes gruesome battle scenes but never with a disdainful tone. Achilles, although he has many character flaws, is undoubtedly the hero of the story. For example, the Trojan people and the Greek gods barely even blame him for desecrating Hector’s body. It is Apollo, god of knowledge, who must come to lifeless Hector’s defense: “…brave though [Achilles] be we gods may take it ill that he should vent his fury upon dead clay.” Achilles, because he is a great fighter, is allowed exception from traditional moral codes. War creates a unique social construction where a soldier is permitted to commit vile acts without any punishment. But not only are soldiers not punished, they are even praised. (is this too obvious?) In accordance, Homer presents an image that the mighty warrior is to be celebrated and hold a revered place in…show more content…
For example, one of the biggest injury fears is sustaining an injury to their groin—the most obvious sign of manhood. Another is not having their body properly buried after they die—evidenced by the great lengths the United States goes to in order to retrieve it’s dead soldiers. Aeneas represents overcoming both of these fears—he escapes his burning city with family in tow in order to follow his fate and establish a new Trojan state. His goal is to continue the legacy of the Trojans, and he goes through great trials to do so. For this reason, he is the ideal warrior. He does not fight and voyage for his own gains, but rather out of duty to his fallen

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