Question

Background information: In this passage from The Iliad, Hector responds to his wife, who is worried that he will fall in battle.

Wife, I too have thought upon all this, but with what face should I look upon the Trojans, men or women, if I shirked battle like a coward? I cannot do so: I know nothing save to fight bravely in the forefront of the Trojan host and win renown alike for my father and myself.

—Homer,
The Iliad,
ca. 800 BCE

Which character trait does Homer assign to his hero, Hector, in this passage?

compassion
kindness
bravery
cowardice

Answer 1

bravery

Hector insists he will not shirk battle like a coward and will fight bravely in the forefront to win renown, showing courage.