Introduction
The Iliad and The Odyssey, authored by the ancient Greek poet Homer, are esteemed epic poems and are often considered foundational to Western literature. The Iliad recounts the ten-year Trojan War, a conflict initiated by the abduction of Helen by Paris, the Trojan prince. The Odyssey narrates the trials of Odysseus, a Greek hero from the war, as he endeavors to return home to his family, encountering numerous challenges. These works reflect fundamentally ancient Greek culture, values, beliefs, and history. However, the primary objective of this essay is not to provide a mere summary or commendation of the poems but rather to examine two specific moments or scenes that illuminate disparities between the Classical era and the contemporary 21st century. Through this analysis, the essay aims to posit that while Homer’s works portray a world vastly distinct from ours in many facets, they also unveil specific enduring themes and values that can resonate with present-day readers.
The Iliad
One of the most startling and unsettling occurrences in The Iliad transpires when Achilles, the preeminent Greek warrior, drags the lifeless body of Hector, the esteemed prince of Troy, around the city walls following their fatal duel. Homer vividly portrays this event in Book 22 of The Iliad, providing explicit and macabre details: “he pierced the sinews at the back of both his feet from heel to ankle and passed thongs of ox-hide through the slits he had made” (Homer, the Iliad, Scroll 22, Line 344). This incident illustrates Achilles’ extreme brutality and lack of regard for his foe, even in death. Furthermore, it reflects the honor-centric culture and warrior code of the Classical era, where renown and prestige were attained through acts of violence and dominance. In contrast, the 21st century values human dignity and compassion, condemning such acts of cruelty and desecration.
However, this moment establishes a striking juxtaposition with the later scene wherein Achilles returns Hector’s corpse to his father, King Priam, displaying benevolence and compassion. In the 24th Book of The Iliad, Homer recounts where Priam, aided by the divine Hermes, infiltrates the Greek encampment and implores Achilles to restore his son’s remains. Touched by Priam’s entreaties and tears, Achilles consents to relinquishing Hector’s body, permitting a dignified burial. Additionally, he commands his troops to cease hostilities for a dozen days, allowing the Trojans to lament their fallen hero. This portrayal underscores the multidimensional nature of Achilles, portraying him not as a simplistic character but as a hero undergoing a nuanced transformation throughout the epic. Moreover, it accentuates the overarching theme of mortality and the human condition, a principal motif in The Iliad.
An alternative interpretation of this instance is to reflect it as a manifestation of the wrath and sorrow experienced by Achilles following the demise of his cherished companion Patroclus. Patroclus met his end at the hands of Hector while adorned in Achilles’ armor. In the 18th book of The Iliad, Homer illustrates Achilles’ response to learning about Patroclus’ demise. Achilles places blame on himself for Patroclus’ fate, pledging to avenge him by slaying Hector and bringing dishonor upon his corpse (Homer, the Iliad, Scroll 22). Furthermore, he refuses to inter Patroclus until he fulfills this vow. This underscores Achilles’ profound commitment to loyalty and friendship, highlighting his prioritization of personal honor over collective welfare. It also underscores the tragic repercussions of warfare, emphasizing themes of violence, revenge, and their cyclical nature in The Iliad.
The Odyssey
One of the most exciting and daring episodes in The Odyssey occurs when Odysseus and his crew confront the Cyclops Polyphemus, a one-eyed giant who consumes some of them and traps the rest in his cavern. In Book 9 of The Odyssey, Homer details Odysseus and his crew’s exploration of the Cyclops’ island and their entry into Polyphemus’ cave. The giant returns, blocking the cave entrance with a massive boulder, leaving Odysseus plotting revenge: “and I was left there, devising evil in the deep of my heart, if in any way I might take vengeance on him, and Athena grant me glory” (Homer, Odyssey, Book 9). This moment underscores the risky and adventurous aspects of Odysseus’ journey, along with the fantastical elements of the Classical world. It also highlights the cultural and religious disparities between the Greeks and the Cyclopes, portrayed as uncivilized beings disregarding gods and hospitality. In contrast, the 21st-century world is depicted as more rational and scientific, displaying greater tolerance and respect for diverse cultures and beliefs.
Nevertheless, this particular moment also showcases the cleverness and courage of Odysseus, who successfully extricates himself from the Cyclops by impairing the creature’s vision and concealing himself beneath its flock. This highlights Odysseus as an adept warrior and a resourceful leader who employs intellect and ingenuity to surmount challenges. He formulates a stratagem to inebriate the Cyclops with wine and dupes him by claiming his name is “Nobody.” Subsequently, when Odysseus pierces the Cyclops’ eye with a honed stake, the creature calls for assistance, yet his compatriots presume he refers to an entity named “Nobody,” allowing Odysseus and his men to elude detection. The ensuing episode elucidates the thematic interplay between sagacity and physical prowess, alongside the intervention of deities in human affairs, central motifs within The Odyssey.
An alternative interpretation of this moment involves reflecting it as a manifestation of Odysseus’ pride and arrogance. He jeopardizes his chances of survival by disclosing his proper name to the Cyclops upon escaping. Odysseus taunts and boasts about his accomplishments, provoking the anger of the Cyclops, who happens to be the offspring of the god Poseidon. The Cyclops beseeches his father to curse Odysseus, either preventing his return home or inflicting significant suffering upon him during the journey (Homer, Odyssey, Book 9). Poseidon heeds his son’s plea, intensifying Odysseus’ challenges with storms, monsters, and temptations. This underscores Odysseus’ imperfections as a hero, portraying him as a flawed and human character prone to errors and subsequent learning. Furthermore, it underscores the tragic consequences of hubris and highlights the potency of fate—key themes within The Odyssey.
Cross-Comparison
The unusual elements found in both The Iliad and The Odyssey serve to illuminate the distinct worldview and values of the Classical era in contrast to the contemporary world. The Classical period was characterized by a realm of gods and heroes, myths and legends, war and glory, honor and fate, hospitality, and revenge, as well as poetry and prophecy. In contrast, the present is marked by science and technology, reason and logic, peace and human rights, dignity and compassion, diversity and tolerance, information and innovation. Another shared characteristic of these unusual elements in both epics is their capacity to elicit pleasure and frustration in modern readers. The delight arises from appreciating the poems’ beauty and creativity, admiring the characters’ skill and courage, enjoying the adventure and drama of the plots, and uncovering the wisdom and insight within the themes.
Conclusion
All in all, the two poems by Homer, The Iliad and The Odyssey, present a world that is altogether different from our own in numerous ways, yet also share a few routine subjects and values that can engage current readers. By breaking down two minutes or scenes that represent the difference between the classical world and the 21st-century world, this paper has shown how the poems investigate the subjects of mortality, bravery, trickyness, and the human condition. The poems by Homer are incredible works of writing yet also essential wellsprings of knowledge and motivation for anybody who needs to figure out the past and the present and the likenesses and contrasts among societies and developments. They are immortal and widespread and should be perused and valued for ages.
Works Cited
Homer, the Iliad, Scroll 22. www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0217%3Abook%3D22%3Acard%3D344.
Homer, Odyssey, Book 9. www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0136%3Abook%3D9%3Acard%3D281#:~:text=%5B315%5D%20Then%20with%20loud%20whistling,and%20Athena%20grant%20me%20glory.
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