A Pragmatic Analysis of Achilles’ First Speech in Homer’s „Iliad”
A Pragmatic Analysis of Achilles’ First Speech in Homer’s „Iliad”

Summary/Abstract: The article constitutes a pragmatic analysis of Achilles’ first speech in Homer’s “Iliad”. Basing on a detailed reading of the text, both on a lexical and grammatical level, the author makes an attempt to establish psychological motivations of its hero. The linear method of analysis used allows for a coherent investigation of the statement whereas the references to earlier and later Achilles’ speeches and other characters of the epic may shed a new light on the interpretation of the conflict of the bravest warrior with the commander of the excursion, focusing the whole action of “Iliad”. According to the main assumption of the article, the verb oĭω, appearing already in the first verse of Achilles’ speech, allows for an insight into a dynamic structure of the hero’s psyche. Further on, the central theme of the article is the implementation of a linguistic analysis to a psychological study of the development of Homer’s heroes. The article also tries to use the observations made by Homer’s experts, such as Irene de Jong and John Redfield.

• Details
• Contents