Achilles and the Heroic Code

Is Achilles heroic? The question is difficult to answer even if one gathers all possible bits of information about the acts that Achilles performed throughout the poem. A hero is someone who is a man that shows courage and who is also admired by many people. Yes, in some instances Achilles was courageous, but in others, my opinion is that he wasn't. Not only does a hero possess the unique qualities of courage and not only is he a likeable person, he also is selfless, putting the best interests of others in front of his very own. At certain points throughout the poem, Achilles appears to be in a selfish mode and he does and suggests things that are geared toward his own benefit. So, the question of Achilles' heroism still lingers. Is he or isn't he? After I take a closer look at the Iliad and Achilles' actions, then, I will conclude.…