"The Iliad" by Homer

Paper Summary:

The paper analyzes the ideas and theme in the "Iliad" and shows how it is a powerful statement of what it means to be human in the middle of vast and senseless bloodshed. The paper highlights the special beauty of traditional poetry like the "Iliad" and reveals that its characters, themes and structure have provided more than two millennia of subsequent narrative artists with materials for their own poetry and prose. The paper points out that none has matched the "Iliad"'s presentation of the glory and limitations of perfected martial honor.

Outline:
Introduction
Critical Analysis and Theme
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The Iliad was originally intended to be recited or chanted, rather than read. Its poetic style is vivid, taut, simple, direct, and full of repeated epithets and elaborate visual similes. The treatment is serious and dignified throughout, and the total effect is one of grandeur. Homer's greatness also reveals itself in the action of the Iliad, in which, within the scope of a few weeks in the tenth year of the siege of Troy, Homer gives the impression of covering the whole war by a few deft incidents."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brann, Eva. Homeric Moments: Clues to Delight in Reading the "Odyssey" and the "Iliad." Philadelphia: Paul Dry, 2002. pg 126-129.
• Kim, Jinyo. The Pity of Achilles: Oral Style and the Unity of the "Iliad." Lanham, Md.: Rowman and Littlefield, 2000. pg 201-221
• Lawall, Sarah; Thalman, William G; Patterson, Lee; James, Heather. The Norton Anthology of Western Literature, Volume 2, Publisher: W. W. Norton; 8 edition (2005), ISBN-10: 0393926168. pg 359-401.
• Lord, Albert B. The Singer of Tales. 2d ed. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2000. pg 13-27.
• Silk, Michael S. Homer, "The Iliad." Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1987. pg 56-91.

More papers on "The Iliad" by Homer:

• Book Review # 102683 : "Honor and its Social Impact in "The Iliad" by Homer"
• Book Review # 132437 : "Analyzing the Social Roles in "The Iliad" by Homer"
• Book Review # 28698 : "Analysis of "The Iliad" by Homer"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: