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Masculinity in Ancient Greece

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Masculinity in Ancient Greece Men are always worrying about masculinity, how to be a man and appear superior. The men of ancient Greece were no different; their lives were focused on war and survival. The Iliad follows the struggles of Achilles as he battles with fate and mortality as well as what it means to be a man. The society that these men lived in was one of a warrior; there was no greater honor than to defend your homeland even if it meant dying.
“Your cup stands filled, always, brimmed like mine when the will stirs you to drink—so now drink deep of battle.” (4.299-301) In these lines King Agamemnon is praising one of his soldiers, Idomeneus. Going to war and fighting to the death was a trait that the Greek held in high regard. Only women and very young children did not fight in the wars, it was the duty of the men. In later lines, Agamemnon calls out the cowards in the ranks. This public disgrace further shows the importance of wartime to the image of masculinity. “Why are you cowering here, sulking out of range? Waiting for others to do your fighting for you? You—it’s your duty to stand in the front ranks and take your share of the scorching blaze of battle.” (4.394-97) Part of Achilles’ internal battle stemmed from this definition of masculinity. If you are a man you are willing to die for the cause, if you sit back you may live longer but there will be dishonor to your name. Achilles knew from early on that if he fought in the war he would not live to go home. “…two fates bear me on to the day of death. If o hold out here and I lay siege to Troy, my journey home is gone, but my gliry never dies. If I voyage back to the fatherland I love, my pride, my glory dies…” (9.499-503)
Achilles faced a hard decision with multiple consequences. If he were to stay and fit he would surely loose his life but he would die a hero with honor and his

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