Still I always believed that Achilles did it because he was so angry. It would take an unusual professor to realize that Achilles was angry. To many teachers he would represent much, but he would not be anything in particular. To be is too obvious. Our professor however is a square, and the bright student is annoyed with him.
Great literature is subtle, dignified, profound.
Things are not what they seem. And anyway, unless they represent something large and worthy, writers will not bother with them. A travel folder signifies Death. Coal holes represent the Underworld. Soda crackers are the Host.