The descriptions of the conduct and reactions of the game contestants are some of the most humanizing passages we've encountered in the Iliad. It is interesting that competitive games are a key feature of the rituals to honor the dead. The games seem to be a way for mourners to replace their sorrow with the emotions that arise from competing in sporting events or cheering a favored contestant. The games, at the very least, offer a respite from anguish and grief over the death of the loved one.
The games were such a wonderful tribute to Patroclus. It's showed how much Achilles loved him. The prizes for everyone was nice. But made me wonder if it was a way for him to distribute his possessions knowing that he was destined to die soon. Having them leave room in the urn and making a temporary funeral mound is so sad to me.
Wow and wow. Your comments are so connected to today's world. I have grieved in reading about the different deaths in The Iliad - but your comment at the end about a man kneeling in sorrow has touched my heart. I know you haven't expressed feelings directly about what is going on in today's world, but I sense that you have a very kind and empathetic heart. I grieve for this world right now. So many injustices and just plain old not getting along on the playground earth.
Matthew, I've just finished Book 24, the last book of The Iliad. Reading your excellent note on Book 23 I am struck by the parallels and contrasts between Achilles's mourning for Patroclus in Book 23 and Priam's mourning for Hector in Book 24. Maybe you're going to speak to that in your note on the latter.
Since I have finished a little bit ahead of the group's schedule I am going back and re-reading Bernard Knox's Introduction to better understand and appreciate his commentary.
The second time through has been a slow go for me, probably just because we're busy with other things. But I'm almost done and it's been well worth the effort. On to The Odyssey!
The descriptions of the conduct and reactions of the game contestants are some of the most humanizing passages we've encountered in the Iliad. It is interesting that competitive games are a key feature of the rituals to honor the dead. The games seem to be a way for mourners to replace their sorrow with the emotions that arise from competing in sporting events or cheering a favored contestant. The games, at the very least, offer a respite from anguish and grief over the death of the loved one.
The games were such a wonderful tribute to Patroclus. It's showed how much Achilles loved him. The prizes for everyone was nice. But made me wonder if it was a way for him to distribute his possessions knowing that he was destined to die soon. Having them leave room in the urn and making a temporary funeral mound is so sad to me.
Wow and wow. Your comments are so connected to today's world. I have grieved in reading about the different deaths in The Iliad - but your comment at the end about a man kneeling in sorrow has touched my heart. I know you haven't expressed feelings directly about what is going on in today's world, but I sense that you have a very kind and empathetic heart. I grieve for this world right now. So many injustices and just plain old not getting along on the playground earth.
Beautifully written!
Matthew, I've just finished Book 24, the last book of The Iliad. Reading your excellent note on Book 23 I am struck by the parallels and contrasts between Achilles's mourning for Patroclus in Book 23 and Priam's mourning for Hector in Book 24. Maybe you're going to speak to that in your note on the latter.
Since I have finished a little bit ahead of the group's schedule I am going back and re-reading Bernard Knox's Introduction to better understand and appreciate his commentary.
I think I'm heading back to reread the introduction for more clarity, too. Thanks for the suggestion!
The second time through has been a slow go for me, probably just because we're busy with other things. But I'm almost done and it's been well worth the effort. On to The Odyssey!