Omeros

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and racism.

Achille is a central figure in Omeros. Though his name binds him to the literary figure Achilles, he is neither a great warrior nor celebrated. Instead, he is introduced to the audience at a low point in his life. He has no money, and his girlfriend, Helen, is on the cusp of leaving him for his friend Hector. Achille fights Hector; ostensibly, their quarrel is about a bailing tin, but, in truth, Achille and Hector resent each other’s claim on Helen. Achille takes out his fury on his friend, but this outburst of emotion does nothing to help him—Helen leaves Achille for Hector anyway. Achille’s resulting sadness is likened to the festering wound on Philoctete’s ankle; Achille’s psychological torment is an active impediment on his life and seems to have no cure.

Losing Helen is both a romantic and a symbolic loss. Throughout the poem, Helen often represents the island of Saint Lucia itself. She is the embodiment of its culture, a holistic benevolence that has the power to make Achille feel less alone. Losing Helen means losing a connection to community and tradition—an ominous sign for Achille’s relationship with the island.