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The Iliad
704 pages, 1999
fiction
1382 books
philosophy
711 booksDating to the ninth century BC, Homer’s timeless poem still vividly conveys the horror and heroism of men and gods wrestling with towering emotions and battling amidst devastation and destruction, as it moves inexorably to the wrenching, tragic conclusion of the Trojan War.
Renowned classicist Bernard Knox observes in his superb Introduction that although the violence of the Iliad is grim and relentless, it coexists with both images of civilized life and a poignant yearning for peace. Combining the skills of a poet and scholar, Robert Fagles brings the energy of contemporary language to this enduring heroic epic. He maintains the drive and metric music of Homer’s poetry and evokes the impact and nuance of the Iliad’s mesmerizing repeated phrases in what Peter Levi calls “an astonishing performance. ”
In The Iliad, Homer shows us that no matter how strong or brave, humans are ultimately not in control of their own lives. The gods and fate hold the real power. This can make us think about our own lives and how much control we really have.
Homer's main character, Achilles, is a hero with a big ego. His pride leads to a lot of problems and even death. This is a reminder to check our own pride and think about how it might be affecting our relationships and decisions.
Homer doesn't shy away from showing the brutal realities of war in The Iliad. He makes us see the pain, loss, and destruction that come with it. This can make us reflect on the real cost of conflicts in our world today.
In the world of The Iliad, honor is everything. Characters are willing to risk their lives for it. This can inspire us to think about what we value most and what we would be willing to fight for.
Homer's characters are not just heroes or villains. They are complex and flawed, just like real people. This can encourage us to look deeper into the people around us and understand that everyone has their own story.
Quotes 5
Homer's Iliad is the most magnificent piece of writing that the world has ever seen.
James Joyce - Modernist NovelistThe Iliad is an epic of sublime grandeur, a work of unparalleled genius.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge - Romantic PoetThe Iliad is the purest and loftiest expression of the tragic sense of life.
Friedrich Nietzsche - PhilosopherHomer's Iliad is the greatest work of literature, the foundation of all culture and civilization.
Virginia Woolf - Modernist WriterThe Iliad is a timeless masterpiece, a testament to the human spirit.
Jorge Luis Borges - Argentine WriterRecommendations
3
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