The Iliad of Homer is a famous work of literature, but it is more often admired than read. With 19,000 lines of poetry and a huge cast of characters, The Iliad can be confusing, even intimidating to a reader. Yet behind the unfamiliar façade is a poem that deals with war and peace, love and anger, revenge and pity, all familiar to us. This class will examine the history and structure of The Iliad, its narrative technique and its place in Greek mythological tradition. We will read selected passages from the poem to explore the poet’s gift for storytelling and character presentation. The class will gain an appreciation of the power of this wonderful poem and its continuing ability to speak to us today.
Suggested Reading: An English translation of The Iliad. Translation by Robert Fagles is preferred, but any good translation will do.