Final answer:
Kaufman alludes to Hector and Achilles to create thematic and character parallels with the Iliad, highlighting timeless aspects of human experience and conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kaufman alludes to Hector and Achilles in his title to draw parallels between the characters and themes of his work and the epic tales of the Iliad. These allusions may serve to highlight similarities in character development, themes such as honor and fate, and the conflict inherent within human interactions and within the self. For instance, similar to Achilles' and Ajax's competitive game foretelling their destinies, modern characters may also engage in conflicts that allude to their future challenges or downfalls. Likewise, just as ancient Greek warriors were deeply affected by their relationships and conflicts, so too are Kaufman's characters shaped by their experiences and interactions.
The references to Homer's Iliad, which detailed the conflict between Achilles and Hector, are not merely for historical context but to emphasize the timeless nature of these themes and the continuous relevance of such epic stories in understanding contemporary human struggles and moral dilemmas.