Homer's "The Iliad"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the characterization of Helen of Troy in Homer's poem "The Iliad" is done in a straightforward manner through simple depictions of what she does, what she says and what others say about her. The author points out that the first action that she takes, which creates a basis for the entire story, is when she leaves her own country for Paris and launches the war, knowing full-well that absolute horror will ensue. The paper relates that Helen is further characterized by what she says despite her relatively little dialogue, which is exceedingly formal and archaic to modern sensibilities; her speech at the veritable end of the story is impetuous and childish blaming of others.

From the Paper:

"Similarly, Helen is also characterized by what others say about her. In illustration of this point, one might look at what Nestor says to King Agamemnon at one point regarding Helen. In a rather long speech, Nestor relates the fact that he believes that the Trojans would probably part with a great deal of wealth and "Twenty Trojan women, Helen except." This of course helps to relate just how much stake everyone on both sides is putting in Helen, in and of the fact that both sides ostensibly seem to believe her to be so valuable. Contrastingly, however, there is the way in which Achilles refers to Helen after Patroclus' death, when in an inconsolable moment he refers to her as, "this accursed Helen"."

More papers on Homer's "The Iliad":

• Analytical Essay # 63410 : "Homer's "The Iliad"
• Book Review # 102683 : "Honor and its Social Impact in "The Iliad" by Homer"
• Book Review # 102560 : "Social Roles in "The Iliad"
• Comparison Essay # 120688 : "The Iliad" and "The Aeneid": A Comparison"

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