The End of the Iliad

Yes, so it seems we are already through with the Iliad. Our last reading assignment for it was to read books 18, 22, and 24 for class on Tuesday. I almost wish we had gone through the whole book instead of skipping to do just the important parts. I like to get the full story and the full effect of books when I read them, but I understand that there's simply not that much time to cover everything in class.

When reading the description about Achilles' shield, I was surprised by how much detail and meaning was engraved in it. So many opposites, portraying both sides of the story...

Also, I was intrigued by the ending of the story where Achilles' heart is beginning to change for the better, funny enough, because of the very man he had just killed and drug around behind a chariot all day. But, after reading so much about a man that was so worthy to be hated and looked down upon, it was nice to see that there is hope for such a person in the future. At last I see a visible similarity between Achilles and Hector.

Hector or Achilles

Even though we talked about the differences between Achilles and Hector all the way back on Tuesday, I still would like to mention some things about these two men. It was clear that the narrator was all for Hector, simply because he portrayed him in a way better light than Achilles. If I were to choose the side of a man who is ready to die for his country and his family, or a man who's only gain from the war is possessions and when things don't go his way, cries to his mother... Well, It's not too hard of a decision who I would be more loyal to.

It's been years since I've read large bits of the Odyssey in my English class, but luckily I can remember the gods and goddesses and keep them all straight in my head! The Iliad is a very interesting read so far.