The intense pacing of book 22 is Homers strategy of demonstrating the Greeks perspective of fighting for kleos (glory).

While the tragedy and regret of the war starting echoes throughout the books, it is in book 22 that Homer summarizes kleos value over human life, and even family, by the Greeks. The first instance is when the reader realizes that Hector could have run from the fight with Achilles; the text made it clear he would not stand a chance (especially through the wailing of his mother and father). When Homer writes that Hector refuses to face his men after his mistake of letting them camp outside Troy, we see that he glorifies dying over living with his mistake. Even though Achilles persona is opposite from Hectorthat is, full of rage, hatred, brashness, and rudenessAchilles is also striving for kleos through avenging his fallen comrade, Patroclus. Homer writes that Achilles is not bothered to face death (Iliad 22.431). Why? Because dying for this reason is glorious. This is clearly something Achilles values if he is to say such a thing. It is good to note that these characters personas are completely juxtaposed, yet they value similar ideals. Hector simply embodies more respect than Achilles, a tension which creates more interest in the pacing of the book. Another claim to support the argument would be through character that doesnt even make an appearance in this chapter: Paris (which also emphasizes the upcoming point). Paris is often scolded by Hector and even Helen for not fighting. He doesnt want to fight and Homer makes it clear that he is looked down upon because of this. He would rather be with family (Helen in this case) than fight; he is belittled for this as well. There is another example earlier in the plot where fighting seems to take precedence over familyHector completely ignores the pleas of his wife to not orphan their son, Astyanax. There are other points which support that the Greeks glorified war and skilled fighters. For one, Athena clearly supports Achilles and the gods end up abandoning Hector. Even Apollo leaves without being told to do so. Athena goes as far as to deceive Hector that Deiphobus is beside him and encourages him to face Achilles (Iliad 22.270). She clearly sees Achilles as the one who deserves to survive due to his skilled fighting.

Homer goes as far as to suddenly change the Achilles that the reader has known throughout the book. Nothing seems to move Achilles to fight against Troy due to is brothers offense in stealing his geras (prize). For Achilles to suddenly shift his rage because of the death of a friend who he himself sent into battle (as in, it shouldnt be surprising that he died) is out of character, especially when we see how stubborn Achilles is and how long his rage lasts. This is a risk that Homer probably took to show that kleos was valued over everything else to the Greeks.