2 of 2

Write now Article Tools

The Iliad, one of the first major works dealing with warfare, was a very interesting read for me. I had read the epic poem before in my early years of high school, however I feel that the knowledge that I have gained since then has put the text in a new light for me. Add the supplemental readings from the Keagan and Fussell anthologies, and an even more insightful approach was taken when I read Homer's work.

One area of the epic that I found interesting was the character structure. Achilles is portrayed in the book as a flawed and emotional warrior, simultaneously skilled in battle, yet weak in many ways. His self-centeredness and seemingly apathetic feelings toward the army for which he fights makes him somewhat unlikable. With that said, there are some qualities which make Achilles a heroic and likable character as well. Achilles, though vain in many ways, never holds back what he is feeling or thinking, even if that means openly quarreling with a king. Achilles also has moments in The Iliad that make him very accessible to the reader. For instance, Achilles' strong desire to stick by and to defend his friends is admirable. This is perhaps most apparent in Achilles' willingness to fight the Trojans and to battle Hector after the death of Patroclus. Achilles also shows the admirable quality of respect and caring when he returns Hector's body to Priam and openly weeps over the matter. The various actions and thoughts Achilles has in the book are both deplorable and admirable, making him more "real" and sympathetic to the reader.

Another interesting aspect of The Iliad was my feelings for both the Achaeans and the Trojans. There were characters from both camps that I liked and disliked. For instance, Achilles was a character with whom I could identify with on the Achaean side, while Agamemnon's selfishness was deplorable to me. For the Trojans, I found Hector to be a strong and brave hero, while I felt Paris to be a cowardly and unsympathetic character. While reading the text, there was not one particular side of the war with which I championed. I felt respect and anger at both armies, and could not clearly choose one camp as the one for which I wished victory. For that matter, Homer never really provides a preference for either side himself in the story.

I also found the idea of military strategy to be interesting in The Iliad. As a reader who has a bachelor's degree in political science, perhaps my view on this subject is different from other readers. In modern

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Book reviews: Ilium, by Dan Simmons?
We want to hear your view. Write now!