Illiad

A detailed Summary of Illiad


The Iliad is the quintessential epic. It is full with gods, goddesses,

heroes, war, honor, and glory. However, for just a short while

near the very conclusion, Homer avoids all of those epic qualities. The

banquet scene in Book XXIV is the most touching, the most "human" scene in

the entire poem. In the midst of the dreadful gulf of war and anger, there

occurs an intimate moment between two men who ironically have much in common

despite their monumental differences. For this brief moment in the poem, in a universe full of contradictions, Homer shows us the presence of human dignity amid destruction and death.

Achilles and King Priam, the principal characters, have clashing personalities which engender dramatic emotional crises. After his son Hector is killed, King Priam, old and fragile, makes his way to the camp of the enemy's greatest warrior late at night. He bears what little treasures have not been exhausted by the ten-year old conflict, and plans to plead for the rightful return of his son's body. This is his final heroic endeavor. Perhaps,

because he has just lost someone so dear to him, he is able to gather courage and take this enormous risk. Interestingly, when he does arrive at Achilles' camp, Priam's fear


Achilles then invites Priam to join him for supper, and reminds him

Achilles' anger suddenly flashes out. Though his insight and human

of severe wrath that began the Iliad. He calls upon his attendants to

mournful father may carry him home. Extraordinarily, when the body has

been washed and wrapped, it is Achilles himself that embraces Hector up and



Some common words found in the essay are:
Hector Achilles, Hector Homer, King Priam, Priam Achilles, Hector Achilles', Book XXIV, , priam achilles, son hector, human behavior, king priam, hands killed,

Approximate Word count = 1027
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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