What is the basic plot of the Iliad?

The Iliad is an epic poem, written by Homer, that covers the quarrels and fighting near the end of the Trojan War. Agamemnon decides to go to war with the Trojans, and convinces other armies to join him. Achilles returns to the war to kill Hector. The Iliad isn’t just about the soldiers and kings, though.

How is the Iliad written?

The Iliad was composed as one continuous poem. In its current arrangement (most likely after the establishment of the Alexandrian library in the early 3rd century BC), it is divided into 24 books corresponding to the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet.

How do you prepare for reading the Iliad?

Familiarize yourself with the story of Helen and Paris. This story occurs before the events of the Iliad. Read a full summary of what happened before the Trojan War. This way, you’ll understand what led up to it and have a good sense of what’s going on between the Greeks and the Trojans at the beginning of the Iliad.

What is the climax of The Iliad?

Climax Achilles’ return to combat turns the tide against the Trojans once and for all and ensures the fated fall of Troy to which the poet has alluded throughout the poem.

How does the epic The Iliad begin and end?

Here is where the Iliad begins as a feud develops between Achilles and Agamemnon. The poem recounts the events of this feud as they take place over several days. The epic ends with the death and burial of the Trojan warrior, Hektor. The events after the Iliad that lead to the fall of Troy are not a part of the poem.

Is The Iliad difficult to read?

For the first-time reader, probably the hardest thing about Homer’s Iliad is its language. And once you get past the weird cultural details (reading the introduction to your edition will help), the poem is extremely accessible. The characters are vivid, and every reader will find someone to identify with.