Iliad
With our observation of God, it can, every now and then, be extremely complicated to understand the proceedings and judgments of the Greek divine beings. In modern times, it is believed that God does not tend to take such a vigorous and energetic function in the dealings of people's lives, where, in contrast, the Greeks considered and respected undeviating participation and association by the gods as an every day, unmanageable division of life. Unnecessary to articulate that godly interference was a key changeable in relation to Iliad. This paper compares the role of fate and the role of gods in Iliad and modern day.
The prehistoric Greeks were polytheistic in their way of life. They were imperfect in the authority to allow, as well as exempt to their gods. Today, conversely, we observe Greek legends, as well as the qualities of the gods and goddesses being founded solely upon understanding- conflict,…...
mlaBibliography
Lattimore, Richmond. The Iliad of Homer. University of Chicago P., 1961.
The Iliad
Lysistrata stands in the foreground, guiding the men to peace, despite the fact that neither side wants to admit blame. She reminds the Spartans of Athenian assistance in the wake of the quake, and she likewise reminds the Athenians of Spartan assistance in overthrowing Hippias. "hy on fighting are your hearts so set? / For each of you is in the other's debt" (228). The Spartan and Athenian make peace, and the play ends with a song and dance by a Spartan in honor of the Athenian, for which the Athenian expresses his delight and admiration. The song, of course, is also a hymn of praise to the woman whose cunning has brought the war to a conclusion: "Pour thy grace upon oor peace; / Make the artful foxes cease; / Let guidwill and love increase / And prosperity!" (232). Honor and respect is shown to the very enemy…...
mlaWorks Cited
Aristophanes. Lysistrata/The Acharnians/The Clouds. (trans. Alan Sommerstein). NY:
Penguin Classics, 1973. Print.
Browning, Robert. "Andrea del Sarto." Web. 12 Nov 2011.
Homer. The Iliad. (trans. Robert Fitzgerald). UK: Oxford University Press, 2008.
Homer is particularly fond of the pastoral pastime of stargazing, contrasting it with Achilles' warpath: "…as he swept across the flat land in full shining, like that star which comes on in the autumn and whose conspicuous brightness far outshines the stars that are numbered in the night's darkening."
He also contrasts the image of the brightest star with the image of Achilles' spear: "And as a star moves among stars in the night's darkening, Hesper, who is the fairest star who stands in the sky, such was the shining from the pointed spear Achilleus was shaking…"
With this contrast, Homer conveys a sense of dramatic irony in the final battle between the two heroes.
Irony through Allusion to Past Events
The similes which in Book 22 convey irony by placing Hector in the role as the hunted, in contrast to his role as the dominant warrior throughout most of the story. Such…...
mlaReferences
Richmond Lattimore, trans., the Iliad of Homer (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1951).
15.381-386
IL 22.27-28
IL 22.317-319
Hector is valiant, and can show great anger in the thick of battle when it is necessary. But behind the walls of Troy, during times of counsel, he is able to show coolness and forthrightness. He urges Paris to fight Helen's legitimate husband Menelaus alone, which would have prevented more people from dying if Paris had not acted like a coward and fought unethically in the one-on-one battle. Hector regrets that Helen ever came to Troy, rather than delights in the fact that the war may bring him glory. And most importantly of all, even though he has a right to be very angry at Paris for bringing Helen to Troy in the first place, he never moves against Paris in a rage. Achilles, in contrast, nearly kills Agamemnon, resolving to "thrust through the ranks and kill Agamemnon now" when he is slighted (1. 225). Achilles acts out of impulse,…...
mlaWorks Cited
Homer. The Iliad. Translated by Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Classics, 1998.
The book also describes the foregone decision of the result of the war as decided by Hera who held a vicious grudge against the Trojans.
The events in Book Four perfectly portrays how despite the truce forged and upheld after the fight between Menelaos and Alexandros, it is through the meddling of the gods and goddesses in the form of Athena's machinations to convince Pandaros to break the truce that caused the war to begin again. In the end of Book Sixteen, Patroclus dies because the gods chose to withdraw their protection and instilled dangerous temper in his heart at a critical time in the battle.
Up to that time, gods had not let that helmet with its horsehair plume get smudged with dirt, for it was always guarding godlike Achilles' head, his noble forehead, too. Later Zeus awarded it to Hector to carry on his head, as his death loomed.…...
The two lovers are trapped by Hephaestus' chains and the gods are debating their fates. They contemplate the issue of whether being trapped in the chains is sufficient punishment, to which Hermes quips "...although I might be held by chains that are three times more numerous, more tight, than these then - even if the gods should watch the sight and all the goddesses - I'd find delight in lying with the golden Aphrodite." This tale illustrates a few things about the ancient Greeks.
The first is that humor was indeed a part of their lives. The bards brought them song and laughter during their feasts. Additionally, such humor speaks to the Greek relationship with the gods. The gods may have held sway over much of the lives of the ancient Greeks, but they were not above being the source of humor, even for mortals. The absurdity of the gods'…...
mlaWorks Cited
Mandelbaum, Allen. (1990). The Odyssey of Homer. University of California Press.
Thus repetition of characters, character epithets or tags, and events are key to oral poetry, as oral poetry usually relates familiar cultural myths. Repetition in Homer's "Iliad" is not simply evident in the poet's use of taglines to delineate his characters. For example when one hero responds to another, the poet usually uses a set phrase, such as 'then in answer again he spoke.' This is not evidence of Homer's lack of creativity. Rather, repetition is part of the nature of oral poetry, and a necessary mnemonic device for the poet and his audience. To distinguish by the ear, for example, Ajax from Achilles, by using the same label or tag line the oral poet was able to make clear to the room of assembled guests, many of whom might be drinking wine or eating while the poet spoke, which warrior was in action during the tale. The use of…...
/ When he dismissed me from the camp, Achilles / told me clearly they will not harass us, / not until dawn comes for the twelfth day") (443), one perceives that respect has been shown between Greek and Trojan -- that honor has been paid.
There is, of course, a price that comes with paying it. That price may be tallied in the loss of Troy's favorite son -- or it may be tolled in the humiliation of Priam before Achilles. Indeed, Priam's obeisance before Achilles brings the entire work into focus -- it evokes, as Aristotle judged a drama should, pity and fear: says Priam: "Achilles, / be reverent toward the great gods! And take / pity on me, remember your own father. / Think me more pitiful by far, since I / have brought myself to do what no man else / has done before -- to lift…...
Iliad
The major Greek figures in the early books of Homer's epic "The Iliad" are Agamemnon, Achilles, Nestor, Patroclus, Ajax, and Odysseus. The major Trojan figures are Hector, Paris, and King Priam and Calchas the priest of Apollo. Of the Grecian figures, Agamemnon is most commonly identified as the "Son of Atreus." This phrase emphasizes the bloody but noble lineage from which Agamemnon springs, and also shows why Agamemnon is so often in scenes where he is attempting to establish his supreme command over the other warriors.
One of the difficulties Agamemnon experiences in establishing his control over the other Greeks is that Achilles is a superior warrior in comparison to Agamemnon. This is because "the godlike" or "great runner" Achilles is a demigod rather than a mere mortal, with greater natural physical gifts. Achilles' semi-divine parentage and relationship to the Gods of Olympus threatens Agamemnon. However, Achilles is hardly a thoroughly…...
They find common ground in terms of mourning and connect by means of a meal. On the other hand, the existing war is never far from Achilles' mind, and he takes precautions not to arouse Priam's anger or to let his own anger get the better of him.
As for the gods, the duality in their relationship with human beings is the traditional view of kindness and cruelty that emerge at apparent random from the gods' hands, as opposed to their friendly cooperation in return for faith and sacrifice. Priam's prayer to Zeus earns him the help and friendship of Hermes. However, the gods are also perceived as playing a fundamental role in the perpetual war and killing of family members.
In conclusion, the scene indicates the uncomfortable relationship between the changes that will inevitably take place, as opposed to the apparently stubborn persistence of the existing paradigms of relationships between…...
Even if one accepts that Homer's age was more barbaric than our own, the description conveys nothing of a balanced match between equals, only blood and death. This is not to say that the "Iliad" is lacking in tales of great warriors, but that the author was not enamored with conflict and war to the degree that he was immune to its seeder side. Even though Ajax's display is impressive, and merits the man being called by the word "Great" as he often is because of his size and strength, his deployment of this strength in brutal fashion is not given equal admiration as it is warriors that fight fairly, with proper weapons, and with valor.
In contrast, Virgil's chronicle of the sacking of Troy, even in the words of one who suffered greatly because of the unfair, tricked destruction of his native city with the infamous "wooden horse," seems…...
mlaWorks Cited
Homer. "The Iliad." Translated by Robert Fagels. New York Penguin Classics, 1999.
Virgil. "The Aeneid." Translated by Allen Mandelbaum. New York: Bantam Books, 2003.
Iliad Metamorphoses book 5 [Ceres Proserpina]. You compare contrast characters [prima Iliad Jupiter]
Contrasting and comparing:
Homer's Iliad with Ovid's Metamorphoses V
The story of Homer's Iliad is considered to be the paradigmatic tale of heroic excellence. Despite the fact that the Trojans and the Greeks are pitted against one another in a futile struggle for a beautiful, faithless woman, on many occasions both show valor towards one another. However, they can also be quite petty. Agamemnon takes Achilles concubine away from him when he loses his own and Achilles pulls out of the flight because of this stain upon his honor, thus condemning the Greeks until he returns again to avenge his friend Patroclus' death at the hands of the great warrior Hector.
Book V of Ovid's Metamorphoses also features a heroic fight between Perseus and Phineus, the former suitor of his wife Andromeda. But rather than heroism, the fight is portrayed…...
mlaWorks Cited
Homer. The Iliad. E-text available:
http://www.theoi.com/Text/HomerIliad24.html
Ovid. The Metamorphoses. Book V.
The conflict over Palestine is a dangerous situation that shows little evidence of being resolved in the near future (History of the sraeli-Palestinian Conflict).
The conflict with the Holy-Land is only a resemblance of what took place in liad because the society destroyed itself by going to war, which is something that srael is doing to itself. Furthermore, it is as if srael values war rather than human life, which is something occurs from the written word or real life events as it can be evaluated from the following example of the story of liad.
On this ris fleet as the wind went forth to carry his message. Down she plunged into the dark sea midway between Samos and rocky mbrus; the waters hissed as they closed over her, and she sank into the bottom as the lead at the end of an ox-horn, that is sped to carry death to…...
mlaIliad Sparkle notes http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/iliad/quotes.html
Iliad
Community: The Iliad
Although much of the Iliad focuses on the soldiers who are battling outside the walls of Troy, a significant part of the reading of this work occurs within the city or within the Greek camp and shows the soldiers in context of their own communities. This work in writing will choose one figure either Trojan or Greek and explain how he fits into the community and the role that is played by this individual in relation to other people in his side of the conflict. For the purpose of this study the role of the Greek individual will be chosen for examination.
Greek Community
Honor and glory are reported in the work of Texin (2004) to be "central to the Greek character." (p. 1) In fact, Texin (2004) reports that it is none other than "honor and glory [which] trigger an epic war that takes the lives of numerous men,…...
mlaBibliography
Texin, C. (2004) Honor and Glory in the Iliad: Life After Death. Retrieved from MIT.edu at: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/history/21h-301-the-ancient-world-greece-fall-2004/assignments/pa1_iliad_rev_dn.pdf
The Iliad: Homer cited in Texin, C. (2004) Honor and Glory in the Iliad: Life After Death. Retrieved from MIT.edu at:
Revenge in the Ancient Greek Plays
The classic literature, such as the plays and stories created during ancient Greek times, often had more than mere aesthetic, entertainment, or shock value. Much like today's literature and films, these often sought to bring their audiences a deeper message. While this is not to say that most of today's media has much to offer by way of a deeper message, much of their appeal lie in the exposition of human behavior, human nature, and how morality and ethics play a role to mitigate the worst within us all. This is also the appeal of the classic literature. A such, pieces of literature like the Iliad, Agamemnon, Antigone, and Medea, tend to reject revenge, while revering moderation and other factors such as age and ancestry.
Anger and revenge are themes that go hand in Homer's Iliad. The underlying implication appears to be that terrible things…...
Oral Tradition: The Ancient Roots of Storytelling
Literature has its primordial origins in the spoken word, as stories were passed down through generations of oral tradition. This rich tapestry of storytelling served as a means of cultural preservation, historical documentation, and moral instruction.
In ancient civilizations, storytellers known as bards, rhapsodes, or griots played a pivotal role in transmitting cultural narratives. They memorized and recited epics, myths, and legends, weaving them into elaborate performances that captivated their audiences.
The oral tradition allowed for stories to evolve and adapt with each telling, as performers embellished them with personal experiences, local customs, and the prevailing....
The Enduring Legacy of Greek Mythology in Pop Culture and Literature
Greek mythology, a tapestry of epic tales, legendary heroes, and divine interventions, has left an enduring imprint on modern pop culture and literature. Its archetypal characters, timeless themes, and evocative imagery continue to inspire and shape artistic expressions across various mediums.
Characters as Archetypes:
Greek mythological figures have become archetypal representations of human traits and experiences. Achilles symbolizes the warrior's pride and vulnerability; Odysseus embodies the cunning strategist; and Aphrodite stands for the power and allure of love. These archetypes resonate with audiences of all ages, providing relatable and universally recognizable symbols.
Literary....
Feminist Transformations of Ancient Myths in Contemporary Poetry Titles
Introduction
Ancient myths have served as a rich source of inspiration for poets throughout history. However, in recent decades, feminist perspectives have challenged the traditional interpretations and representations of these myths, leading to transformative reimaginings in contemporary poetry titles. By subverting, recontextualizing, and reclaiming these mythological narratives, feminist poets empower women and critique patriarchal structures.
Subverting Traditional Interpretations
Traditionally, ancient myths have often perpetuated patriarchal values and depicted women as passive objects or victims. Feminist poets challenge this by inverting power dynamics and giving marginalized characters a voice. For example, in the title of her....
Outline of Women's Portrayal in Ancient Literature
I. Female Archetypes
a. Goddesses and Divine Figures
b. Mothers and Nurturers
c. Wives and Daughters
d. Oracles and Seers
e. Warriors and Amazons
II. Symbolic Roles
a. Symbols of Nature and Fertility
b. Objects of Exchange and Conquest
c. Sources of Knowledge and Prophecy
d. Guardians of Family Values
e. Embodiments of Chaos and Disorder
III. Specific Roles in Key Works
A. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey
Helen of Troy: Symbol of beauty and destruction
Penelope: Loyal and enduring wife
Circe: Enchantress and mistress of the unknown
B. Sophocles' Antigone
Antigone: Defiant and courageous heroine
Ismene: Compliant and subservient sister
Creon: Arrogant and authoritarian male ruler
C. Aristophanes' Lysistrata
....
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