Final answer:
The Trojans react to Hector's death with deep mourning, signifying the severity of their loss and foreshadowing their ultimate defeat. The collective reaction adds emotional depth to the narrative and underscores universal themes of loss and the transient nature of civilizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Homer's Iliad, the reaction of the Trojans to Hector's death is one of utter despair and mourning. Priam and Hecabe, his parents, are particularly devastated. As the pillar of Trojan defense and a symbol of their heroism, Hector's death foretells the doom of Troy. This collective grief signifies the deep emotional connections within the Trojan society and the high regard in which Hector was held. The loss of Hector is a pivotal moment that underscores the human cost of war and the eventual fall of Troy, paralleling historical reflections on rise and fall of civilizations, such as the contemplation by Scipio upon Carthage's destruction.
The significance of the Trojans' reaction lies in the unification of a people in the face of tragedy which serves to humanize the enemy and adds depth to the narrative of the Trojan War. The reaction mirrors the grief felt across time whenever societies reflect upon their losses in great conflicts, and serves to connect the story of Hector to the universal themes of loss and change.