Understanding the Iliad

by Leon Golden

Although the Iliad has a history dating back more than three thousand years, it remains a riveting and insightful study of universal themes relating to the human condition. This study focuses on three interconnecting the relationship of human beings to the external forces-the gods-which are operative in the universe; the concept of heroism in war and beyond war which fulfills the human aspiration for meaning in existence; and the process of emotional, intellectual, and psychological evolution by which the poem's hero, Achilles, evolves from a state of narcissistic indifference to the fate of other human beings to the capacity to demonstrate compassion to those who have been his most hated enemies.

184 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Liam Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leon argues that Achilles was a narcissist and so incapable of rational thought and actions until after the death of Patroclus, his one real human connection on whom he depended. Without Patroclus he needs to rejoin the human community so hosts funeral games and begins to transform to a more humane character. In Book 24 his compassion for Priam causes a transcendence into a tragic epic hero.

[Geetesh Meena]

great time to begin