The Iliad:is it worth it?

[fayefaye]

I picked it up, started reading, not sure if it's worth it to keep going.... so vote to dictate my reading patterns!

[papayahed]

I'm slogging through also. I'm halfway through it and I figure since I've gotten this far I might as well go on......Perhaps i should go with the voting also......

[ravana]

I read it in my native turkish. It was a good translation and I ilked it. I found it interesting, that's why I read it within a week.
Above at all it is worth reading because it's one of the most ancient literary works of the world.

[crisaor]

It's definitely worth reading faye. IMHO, it's the best book ever written.
I'd carry on if I were you. :nod:

[simon]

Trust crisaor, it is worth reading, I especially enjoyed the battle scenes, just ignore the whole book that lists off all the men on various ships and their parentage and whatnot. The thing that is often hard about Homer is that he uses epithets and the fighters are often referered to as "son of...", so it is sometimes hard to know who is who. And if you think about it not much really happens except for a few squables, 10 years of fighting has already gone by and it doesn't even tell you the outcome of the war, it only takes place over four days. But nonetheless I think that it should be read to bear witness to an art of the past, the oral traditions, of memorizing lines and how it is constructed to make that easier.

[GapingStarling]

A few friends and I were just discussing this yesterday! I say definately go for it, especially if you have a good translation. Mine is Stanley Lombardo, and I really enjoyed it although the modern language threw me at first when I expected heavy classic stuff. But what a wonderful story, gods and goddesses swooping in, war speeches, it's good stuff!

[Art]

I think it is definately worth finishing, I thought it was a fantastic book. I started reading the Odyssey as soon as i had finished the Illiad, I enjoyed it so much.

[subterranean]

I havent read it yet Faye so i don't vote. Wish you wrote your reasons too for not being sure to continue reading it..that way i'll have extra reference, since other posts here claimed that the book is worth finishing.

[papayahed]

Ha! I have just finished The Illiad. It was probably worth it.

[baddad]

Posing such a question on this site is just BEGGING to be told to read it, as this site AND THOSE VISITING IT suffer from rampant AND chronic READ-A-CITIS. I'm just thankful there isn't a copy somewhere in this cave, or I'd have to read it......

[crisaor]

Well... You kinda asked for it... :D
This cave's copy (http://www.online-literature.com/homer/iliad/)

[elibennet]

I wouldnt have continued reading it. Borges was also a literature teacher, and he used to tell his students that if they didn`t like a book they didn`t have to force themselves to read it. It just wasnt the right moment in their lives for them to read the book. I do agree.

[baddad]

Well... You kinda asked for it... :D
This cave's copy (http://www.online-literature.com/homer/iliad/)


Well!! I guess I did ask for it!!!!!!! No problemo, I fear no book!!! But I believe I will hunt down a paper copy of this tome (I've mentioned my lack of attraction towards electronic lit.), curl up in a chair for a MONTH, and get down to it!!! Uh.......give me a week to find a copy......gotta sweep the cave, stock up on mammoth, etc..........

[crisaor]

I wouldnt have continued reading it. Borges was also a literature teacher, and he used to tell his students that if they didn`t like a book they didn`t have to force themselves to read it. It just wasnt the right moment in their lives for them to read the book. I do agree.
True. But then again, a little bit of erudition never hurt anybody. As you say, maybe in another time.

[subterranean]

Posing such a question on this site is just BEGGING to be told to read it, as this site AND THOSE VISITING IT suffer from rampant AND chronic READ-A-CITIS. I'm just thankful there isn't a copy somewhere in this cave, or I'd have to read it......

You're taking it too seriously

[silvertabby]

Yes definately read it, then go on and read the 'Odyssey'.

[ravana]

I must say I don't like "Odyssey" as much as "Illiad". A little boring.