An Essay on the Illiad - 868 Words

The American University in Cairo Department of English and Comparative Literature 506 Greek Classics- Dr. Doris Shoukri Essay Exam- Part II of Midterm The poet is a ‘student of his culture’ and thus both The Iliad and The Odyssey are directed sources of their own period. Select any one episode or scene from either of the poems as one that you feel is most memorable. What does it tell about Homeric culture? A writer is a reflection of his age. A work of art is considered a mirror of the customs, culture, and concepts of the age to which it belongs. Homer’s writings are a true representation of this. His Iliad and Odyssey both reflect the old Greek culture, yet in Homeric touch. The meantime the Greek gods and goddesses are†¦show more content†¦The first physical presentation of Hector as a warrior is in Book VI. In this book, Homer writes one of his master scenes: that of Hector’s speech to his wife and son. This scene is considered to be a master scene due to many reasons. The reader is first introduced to Hector as a human, not as a warrior. Although Homer’s description at the opening of this scene suggests he is to continue with Hector the warrior, he shifts the focus to a very sincere husband/ wife speech. The scene opens with Homer’s description of Hector as ‘Great Hector of the flashing helmet’. The reader is able to see the reflection of the Sun on Hector’s helmet; a scene full of glory. Then, Homer zooms to describe the husband/wife relationship between Hector and his wife. This conversation started with this fatherly look of Hector to his son: Hector looked at his son and smiled, but said nothing. Andromache, bursting into tears, went up to him, put her hand in his and said: ‘Hector, you are possessed! This determination of yours will be the death of you. You have no pity on you little boy or luckless wife†¦ so Hector, you are father and mother and brother to me, as well as my strong husband†¦ Andromache was trying to stop Hector from going to the war and fight because this means he is to die, she is to be a widow, her son an orphan, and might be taken by the enemies. Hector’s response to his wife perfectly reflects the culture of the age. Hector does care about his wife and son, yet he has aShow MoreRelated Achilles in The Illiad is not a Hero Essay1009 Words   |  5 PagesAchilles in The Illiad is not a Hero   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the introduction of the Essential Illiad given by Sheila Murnaghan, Achilles is labeled as â€Å"the greatest of the Greek heroes†. In classic mythology a hero is a person of great strength and courage celebrated for bold exploits and is often the offspring of a mortal and a god. Achilles was the greatest fighter among the Greeks or Trojans and feared no man in battle. 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