Mary ArcherENG 272Q, D. KubotaMW 3:15–4:3015 Sept 2014

The Irons Method: Achilles

Obesity in America has caused the nation to be the subject of ridicule on the world stage.

The cowardly scoundrel Hector, the French president, has made a cheap jive at “fat Americans”

on national TV. To remedy this slight, brave Achilles, the newly inaugurated president of the

United States, promises to overtake every country in the events of Olympic Games, in its new

Greek revival additions of chariot racing and of discus throw. His resolution to redress the

insufferable wrong is evident here:

Hector, talk not to me, thou madman, of covenants. As between lions and men there are no oaths of faith,

nor do wolves and lambs have hearts of concord but are evil-minded continually one against the other, even

so is it not possible for thee and me to be friends, neither shall there be oaths between us till one or the

other shall have fallen, and glutted with his blood.

(Homer Iliad 22: 260-64)

In this quotation, Achilles displays his fierce, overwhelming competitiveness as he characterizes

himself as a wolf, a fanged menace who easily devours meek bleating sheep. Thus Achilles the

defender stakes the morale of team USA to decisively overpower docile team France. Achilles'

blood-thirsty language sharply contrasts with Hector the politician's placating, unfelt call for a

“covenant.” For just as the animals Achilles mentions make no amendment to the joyous

domination implicit in their beastly nature because of the whining plea of a just caught prey, so

Achilles in his mighty state will not be deterred from total victory with a few well-minced words.

Specially picked by Achilles for my proven tenacity to lose weight despite my thousand

pound frame, I will train hard, proudly, and feed on the fire in my belly in the next 23-months

leading up to the August 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. Though I must use a cane to support me

now, I stand in erect salute to the example Achilles gave of an epic hero focusing their fearsome

fighting power in creative ways. As my pappy said, “the world needs more like that man.”