Many scholars believe that one of the most important aspects the epic poem, the Iliad has on the human race is the concept of the heroic ideal. In this critical essay the author's view of an ideal hero is a person who struggles relentlessly against the workings of fate, even if the character must rise above fragile and vulgar aspects of human nature. The main character in this epic poem, Achilles, is the only character who is really shown to exhibit this heroic image. Even though his journey is full of ignorance, sorrow, and vengeance he is the only character to possess such depth.

The author's specific focus about the Iliad is that this heroic image is displayed when the hero uses his superior qualities at all times in order to succeed and gain recognition, for these two are rewards of his manhood. The author Michael Grant, makes it clear that the character's goal is honour and gl

While reading this essay, the reader will find several different things that may interest them. For example when the author chooses to talk about Homer's love for war. What interests me was the author's choice of words when talking about the battles inside the poem. Instead of calling it a war or battle he chooses to call it a Glorious Bloodbath. In his essay he states "Large stretches of the Iliad have been described as a bath of blood, gloriously described." (92). Another example of the author's diction I found was interesting is when he says that the fighting in the Iliad occassionaly was broken off by a conference. The reason he says this is because often times when two characters were about to duel to the death the Gods would often pull those away that they favored if they were certain of their fate. Another thing that the reader might find interesting is the author's view that heroism leads to certain death. This is interesting because the reader may never see it exactly like that. He goes on to say that heroism leads to misery and event

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 708
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)