Recent studies have begun to see the Homeric epics in the light of other epic traditions, notably epics from Mesopotamia, and have begun to look at striking similarities. ... The hero Gilgamesh is occupied with fear of death throughout the epic (George XIII). ... Neither man is concerned with family life nor with romantic relationships with women, such things have no place in the epic hero's life. ... Through the observations of the Sumerian and Babylonian epic heroes' lives, a basic understanding of the "definition of man" can be suggested (Wolff 394). ... So both epics sh...

• Word Count: 4256
• Approx Pages: 17
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

This is also true of the epic tradition. In ancient epics, the hero traditionally represents that culture's ideals and appeals to the citizens on a personal level; however, as the epic tradition progresses, the author increasingly begins to use the hero and other central characters as a tool to promote his own agenda: to shape, and potentially change, the values of his society. ... Satan is a traditional hero as his qualities reflect the attributes valued in his society; however, Milton also suggests that these modern heroes should be questioned. ... Milton expresses his personal malconte...

• Word Count: 1343
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Virgil condones war for the sake of his patron, Augustus Caesar, whose recent victory at Actium, three years before the creation of Virgil's epic, had quelled the rebellion of the Roman commander Marcus Antonius. ... His death symbolises the 'waste' of war and his decapitation symbolises the barbarity and heartlessness of mankind, as they cannot refrain from 'deflowering' this young hero in the "bloom" of his youth. ... But, in one of a few areas of the poem that lacks consistency (Virgil never lived to fully complete his epic), Juno declares that she wishe...

• Word Count: 2231
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Hogan March 7, 2002 Essay Question #4: In reading The Iliad by Homer, we were introduced to the many conflicting character traits of one of the epic's major heroic characters, Akhilleus. Although The Iliad portrays Akhilleus as a great warrior and a noble hero, his irrational and horrific actions can at times tarnish the image of this great character. Akhilleus possesses all the marks of a great hero, and throughout the story proves to us that he is, if not the mightiest, one of the mightiest military warriors amongst both the Achaean and Trojan armies. ...

• Word Count: 725
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Homer uses repetition, simile, and metaphor in order to on the one hand, aid the memorization and presentation of his epic poetry, and on the other, to present the performance of the poem as more memorable for the audience. ... For example the hero is frequently referred to as "Swift-footed Achilles," which is a gratifying epithet that compliments the physical abilities of Achilles. ... Perhaps the tensest moment in the poem for the hero Achilles is when he finds out his best friend, Patroklos, has been killed by the enemy Hektor. ... The messenger approaches the hero as "He spoke, and the ...

• Word Count: 1357
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Homer uses repetition, simile, and metaphor in order to on the one hand, aid the memorization and presentation of his epic poetry, and on the other, to present the performance of the poem as more memorable for the audience. ... For example the hero is frequently referred to as "Swift-footed Achilles," which is a gratifying epithet that compliments the physical abilities of Achilles. ... Perhaps the tensest moment in the poem for the hero Achilles is when he finds out his best friend, Patroklos, has been killed by the enemy Hektor. ... The messenger approaches the hero as "He spoke, and the ...

• Word Count: 1392
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Arête is a term of excellence or honor that was given to special warriors or heroes when they achieved a heroic feat or performed a type of duty that requires great skill and bravery that only a few gifted people possess. ... In the Iliad Achilles is one of the major characters that express arête and his need for honor and virtue throughout the entire epic. ...

• Word Count: 1177
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate