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Essay Topics on The Iliad

"The Iliad," which is an epic poem by Homer, is set during the time of the Trojan War. It is an account of the events surrounding a conflict between King Agamemnon and Achilles during the last period of war. The poem itself is an example of one of the first real works of fiction in western history and is considered a timeless and exceptional piece of literature. Because of this, "The Iliad" has become an important tool in literary education and a popular topic for essay writing.
  1. Gods

    • Think about Homer's portrayal of the gods. Discuss their involvement and relationship with Earth and the mortals that inhabit it. Suggest the relation that the gods may have had with human fate. Mention any important points Homer was trying to get across by depicting the gods in the way that he did.

    War

    • Homer uses war as the backdrop for 'The Iliad." Through his account of war, we see the glorification of strong and heroic fighters and minimalist losses. Think about the attitude towards war in this tale. Suggest whether or not you believe that there are certain situations in which war may be justified according to Homer.

    Family

    • Study family relationships in Homer's poem. Think about certain father-son relationships in particular such as the relationship between Achilles and Peleus, as well as that between Hector and Priam. Make reference to how family loyalty affects the actions of these characters.

    Heroes

    • Pay attention to the heroes present in Homer's tale. Think about the strengths and qualities which heroic characters such as Achilles, Odysseus and Paris possess. Talk about how these ancient heroes differ from each other and why. Suggest aspects of each hero's character that makes them stand out above the rest.

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