Final answer:
Achilles wishes for Hector's body to be cleaned before being shown to Priam to maintain respect and dignity for the deceased as per ancient Greek cultural practices, reflecting his moment of compassion towards his enemy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Homer's Iliad, Achilles wishes that Priam, the Trojan king and father of Hector, not see Hector's body until it has been properly cleaned and prepared. This request reflects the cultural practices of respect for the dead in ancient Greek society. It was customary to cleanse and prepare the body for burial rites, as a sign of honor and to allow for a peaceful transition to the afterlife. Moreover, presenting a clean and cared-for body would be less distressing for the grieving family and would preserve the deceased's dignity. Thus, Achilles shows a moment of compassion and respect towards his enemy by wanting the body to be seen in a respectable state, despite the intense rivalry and brutal nature of the Trojan War.