The Iliad
The great war epic of Western literature, translated by acclaimed classicist Robert Fagles.
Dating to the ninth century B.C., 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.
The centuries-old epic about the wrath of Achilles is rendered into modern English verse by a renowned translator and accompanied by an introduction that reassesses the identity of Homer. In Robert Fagles’ beautifully rendered text, the Iliad overwhelms us afresh. The huge themes of godlike, yet utterly human savagery and calculation, of destiny, defied, of triumph and grief compel our own humanity. Time after time, one pauses and re-reads before continuing.
Like the generations of leaves, the lives of mortal men. Now the wind scatters the old leaves across the earth, now the living timber bursts with the new buds and spring comes round again. And so with men: as one generation comes to life, another dies away.
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What an amazing thing for a blind guy to come up with. There are historical speculations that Homer might not have existed, something I was starting to question when I read “The Iliad”. As with most classics, there are some questionable homoerotic undertones with Achilles and Patroclus, inbred sex with Zeus and Hera, and pointless wars with the Achaeans and Trojans.
The Iliad, composed by the ancient Greek poet Homer, is undeniably a masterpiece of Western literature. The epic poem recounts the events of the Trojan War, highlighting the heroism, tragedy, and complexities of human nature. However, it is not without its flaws.
One of the major criticisms of The Iliad is its narrow focus on glorifying war and violence. The poem glorifies the acts of killing and displays a lack of moral reflection on the consequences of warfare. The characters are often portrayed as one-dimensional, driven solely by their thirst for glory and honor. This narrow characterization diminishes the depth of the narrative and limits the exploration of human emotions and motivations.
My edition by Robert Fagles doesn’t mention the Golden Apple of Discord or the Trojan Horse, so I’m curious where they come from. I’d really appreciate it if someone could answer that.
Another critique is the poem’s treatment of female characters. Women are mostly depicted as objects of desire or as catalysts for conflict between men. Their agency is often ignored or suppressed, reinforcing patriarchal norms and perpetuating gender inequality.
Furthermore, The Iliad can be challenging for modern readers due to its complex structure, extensive use of repetitive formulas, and its reliance on cultural references that may be unfamiliar to contemporary audiences. This can create a barrier to understanding and appreciating the poem fully.
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