ENG 283E: Our Premodern Epics: How Epics Create Culture and Vice Versa Main Menu Binghamton University Fall 2016 ENG 283E: Epics Medieval and Modern

Iliad: Methods of Understanding the text

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The Iliad is ancient Greek poem spanning 24 book and written by Homer around the 8th Century BC, providing "the original benchmark for our understanding of war's human dimensions," (Rosenthal). As a result of the language, date and length of the Iliad, it can be quite hard to understand. In recognition of this dilemma, many scholars and students have worked to create ways for modern readers to understand the text better, from reading the entire book out loud to creating fun summarizes of it online so everyone can learn about "the anger of Achilles, son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans," (Homer). The most popular way readers choose to understand the Iliad is through modern translations of the text. But even in modern English/other languages, the text is still difficult to understand, which has led to the creation of the projects conducted by the Almeida Theater in London (Rupert Goold and Robert Icke) and Overly Sarcastic Productions. The directors at the Almeida Theater put together a live reading of the Iliad, which took over sixteen hours to complete. The recording of this event is available online, providing modern readers with the option to experience and understand the Iliad by listening to the complete epic poem. Since the reading would take over sixteen hours to listen to and some readers would still not be able to comprehend the events and meaning of the Iliad, it’s not a practicable option for all.  Other readers will turn summarizes for a quick and easy way to learn about the Iliad. Overly, Sarcastic Productions does an amazing job at creating a short, but informative and funny summary of the Iliad, providing a valuable option for readers with limited time or those looking for a quick explanation of the Iliad.   

Homer. Iliad. The Internet Archives Classics. Translated by Samuel Bulter. Web. 30 Oct. 2016.
Rosenthal, Joel H. Ethics and War in Homer's Iliad. Carnegie Council. 27, Mar 2012. Web. 30 Oct. 2016. 

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  1. The Iliad Kara Maloney

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