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The Iliad: An epic for the ages

There is currently a great deal of interest in Homer's Odyssey, due to widely publicized new translations and at least two major motion pictures. In this course, however, we will read selections from the other great Homeric epic, the Iliad. The events it recounts take place during a few weeks toward the end of the grinding 10-year war between the Greeks and the Trojans, and virtually all the action is set in or next to Troy. Even though the geographical and chronological scope is narrower than that of the Odyssey, the Iliad is an extraordinarily powerful story. It offers us the opportunity to consider some great issues that remain of pressing importance, among them the nature of heroism; the way leaders should conduct themselves; inequities of class and status; the bonds created by shared struggle and suffering; and relations between humans and gods. We will also look at the character and cultural significance of Homeric poetry. For each session two or three books of the epic will be assigned, with questions provided in advance to guide the reading and discussion.

Instructor: Andrew Szegedy-Maszak

Five sessions, Tuesdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, & Nov. 3, 4:30–6:30, at the Wasch Center