Noticing an odd symmetry, or asymmetry, in the single combat between Hector and Aias (7.244-272). They attack each other three times a piece — a cast spear, a jabbed spear, and a thrown stone — and each time Aias’ shield is hit and resists the attack and each time Hector’s shield is hit and is compromised by the attack, until finally the stone thrown by Aias causes Hector’s shield to crumple in on itself entirely.
What does this suggest?
Also notable is that Aias wounds Hector in the neck in this passage, which is where Achilles later wounds him.
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