It would seem that the process for bonding with another soldier would be intuitive since so much is at stake. Pettiness would be overruled by the confidence one gains truly understanding that the greater good is at hand; men who fight together against the enemy have a common goal. They should agree to disagree, and they should protect each other to reach their common goals. In a strong army no one should be expendable. The Greek army was a powerful army. The story of the Iliad gives us a glimpse into the social relationships of men in battle. Some of these men share resources such as heritage, or country. Some of them share divinity. Some oppose each other and some fight on the same side. There is never a constant in these relationships; it is always an arbitrary existence that is as distinct a blade of grass. Interesting enough each scenario gives us a glimpse into the trigger and passions that guide the steps of our characters.
If your parents have anything to do with how much influence you have, then the relationship between Achilles and Agamemnon the warlord shows that a mother will go to any length to mend a broken heart. As we watch the anger and posturing unwind we get a sense of the frustration Achilles feels as he recites a laundry list of accusations. Achilles assesses Agamemnon a coward, a man with a rabbits’ heart, one who avoids the hazard of the front line only to expect favor and the right to forge his way to the forefront where he will surely take ownership of the first and primary spoils of each battle. Achilles’ monolog is scorching and one that compels him to defend his honor. He is a fierce warrior; does he really have to do this? His character dictates that he does. Here the escalation starts. There is no return. This adversarial relationship between he and Agamemnon is a catalyst for further action and retribution. Achilles refuses to go forth to fight the Greeks. He is confident that his absence will change the tide of this battle.
Achilles relationship with Patroclus is obviously a loving relationship. The death of Patroclus causes Achilles to grieve so that a common perception might be that he is suicidal. His whole existence now shifts to a new focus of revenge which he feels is the only way to avenge his fallen comrade. We have seen Achilles as a warrior, but here by contrast he shows surprisingly, another facet character and his true thoughts of war:
“I stand alone in the while Greek army When it comes to war – though some do speak better. I wish all strife could stop, among gods And among men and anger too – it sends Sensible men in to fits of temper, It drips down our throats sweeter than honey and mushrooms up in our bellies like smoke. Yes, the warlord Agamemnon angered me. But we’ll let that be, no matter how it hurts. And conquer our pride, because we must.