Write on Homer as a realist with reference to his epic poem “The Iliad.”
PremiumWrite on Homer as a realist with reference to his epic poem “The Iliad.” [NU: 2012, 16]
Homer’s (c. 800 BCE – c. 701 BCE)
Real Picture of War: Homer presents war in a realistic way. He does not hide blood or pain. Soldiers die in cruel and direct scenes. We see wounds, cries, and death in detail. For example, Homer shows how spears cut flesh and blood flows.
“Like the generations of leaves, the lives of mortal men.” Human Emotions: Homer shows real human emotions. We see love, anger, fear, and grief.
“Rage—Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus’ son Achilles…” “Have pity on me; remember your father.” Daily Life Details: Homer also describes daily life in detail. We see food, clothes, ships, and houses. He shows how people cook meals, play games, and prepare armor. During the funeral of Patroclus, Homer shows games and contests. These details are very natural and true. They reflect the culture of his age. Such daily scenes make the story real. Readers can imagine the life of that time. This strong use of daily images proves Homer’s realism. Realistic Characters: The characters in “The Iliad” are very real. Achilles is strong but also proud. Agamemnon is brave but selfish. Hector is noble but afraid of failure. Even women like Andromache show deep truth. Andromache speaks these words after learning of Hector’s death.
“You ... were their greatest glory while you lived—/now death and fate have seized you.” Blend of Gods and Humans: Though gods appear, Homer shows their actions in real ways. The gods behave like humans. They feel jealousy, anger, and love. Their actions are like real human actions. Homer also shows how people believe in divine power in daily life. This mixture makes the story real for that age. It shows the belief of Greek people in gods as part of real life. Thus Homer keeps even the divine part within realistic limits. In “The Iliad”, Homer is a true realist. He presents war with real pain and blood. He shows daily life and human feelings with truth. His characters are close to real human beings. Even the gods act in human ways. His realism makes the poem timeless and universal.
These images are not fantasy. They are real pictures of war. This realism makes the story powerful. Readers can feel the real suffering of the warriors. It shows that Homer is a master of realism.
Achilles loves Patroclus like a brother. When Patroclus dies, Achilles cries in deep pain. Priam feels sorrow for Hector. He reminds Achilles of his own father. Priam says,
Achilles feels pity for Priam. His heart softens, and he returns Hector’s body. Even soldiers feel fear before death. These feelings are true to life. Homer makes heroes look like real men with human hearts. This is not simple imagination. It reflects human reality. Homer’s focus on emotions makes “The Iliad” very close to real life.
These characters are not gods only. They are real human beings with both strength and weakness. Homer does not make them perfect. He shows them as they are. This realism makes the poem universal.