The story of “The Iliad” is one of the most ancient and well known stories of all time. It was written by the ancient Greek poet Homer around the 8th century BCE, and the story has been told and re-interpreted by numerous cultures and writers over the centuries. It tells the story of the ten-year Trojan War, and the events that led to it being fought. The debate amongst literature enthusiasts is whether “The Iliad” is a work of poetry or a work of prose.
From a general perspective, “The Iliad” is composed of dactylic hexameter. This is a type of poetic metre in which each line consists of six metrical feet, each consisting of one stressed and two unstressed syllables. Lines in this form can have from four to twelve syllables, and naturally this has implications on the structure and rhythm of the sentences. As such, “The Iliad” possesses the feel of a poem, and the writing and speech of the characters could be said to identify with those of poets.
The work does also contain passages of prose, however, typically devoted to narrative or to the interpretation of certain events. As well as this, certain characters’ discourse more typically present in prose can also be found, such as Agamemnon’s battle speech in Book 2. This use of prose is characteristic of epic poetry in general, which makes up a large proportion of Ancient Greek literature.
The use of poetic devices such as metaphors, similes and alliterations, makes “The Iliad” one of the most celebrated works of the Ancient Greek language. Moreover, the fact that Homer is, to this day, the most famed of Ancient Greek poets, gives “The Iliad” the overwhelming feel of a work of poetry, rather than prose.
Furthermore, the presence of epic similes, which are lengthy and complex descriptions likened to a hero or a scene, reaffirm the poem’s poetic nature. There are dozens of these similes located in “The Iliad”, the most famous being in Book 17, in which a description of a storm of divine wrath is likened to a mountain forest raging in a storm. It is this type of poetic infusion which could lead one to believe that “The Iliad” is a work of poetry, and in some respects, it is.
The Arguments for Designated Poetry
The main argument for “The Iliad” to be identified as poetry lies in its dominating lyrical element and the structure of the language used throughout the work. Through the alternating patterns of stress, which compose the basis of dactylic hexameter, the text flows and is constructed in such a way that makes it more compatible with poetry rather than prose. In addition, the longer and more drawn out description of scenes, characters and events, give the poem an appeal of almost story-telling like nature. Homer’s metaphors, personifications and comparative language further demonstrate the work’s significant poetic influences.
Much of the poem is written in the third person, although characters can also be seen speaking and narrating their own accounts. Generally, this could be seen as another indication that the work is a poem, as the dialogue within poesy often appears in this form and is often longer, like a story. Ultimately, the poem has a much more lyrical form than prose and can be seen as being classically favoured within the poetic world.
The Arguments for Designated Prose
On the other hand, there are also many arguments for “The Iliad” to be labeled as a work of prose. This argue mostly comes from the fact that several passages within the poem take on a more explanatory and narrative form than lyrical. As well as this, the dialogue and speeches often arrive with, or are followed by, a commentary from the narrator. This commentary is different from the typical poem, and can be seen as an exercise of explaining rather than describing or inferring.
For example, in Book 4, a most important speech of Hector is followed by an explanation of the consequences of his decisions. Furthermore, this relates to the way in which the action is reported within “The Iliad”. Generally, Homer simply reports the events as they occur and does not indulge the reader with too many long descriptions and extreme detail, which is typical of prose.
The connection between the narrative and poetic elements of “The Iliad” have also been debated by experts in the field of philosophy. Aristotle claimed that narrative things, such as poems and tragedies, contain a mix of both. He understood the distinction between the two, but also that certain works could be both poetry and story-telling at the same time.
The Combined Influence of Poetry and Prose
It is clear to see that “The Iliad” is a combination of both lyric poetry and narrative prose. Both of these coexist and intertwine throughout the poem and create a unique style of writing. It is impossible to give a definite answer as to whether “The Iliad” is a poem or a story, as it simply contains elements of both and is difficult to label one way or the other. This perhaps is the beauty of the work and why it has stood the test of time.
The Impact of ‘The Iliad’ on Later Works
One of the most remarkable features of “The Iliad” is the immense influence it has had on later works. Both in terms of the style of writing and the narrative, “The Iliad” can be seen as the forerunner of many later works of Ancient Greek literature and epic poetry. Its lyricism, vivid descriptions, and narrative structure can be seen to be some of the most recognisable and heavily used aspects of poetry and literature up to the present day.
At the same time, its powerful characters, intense plot and strong sense of justice, make it equally influential in writing and storytelling in general. Many different types of works share similar concepts and motifs to those found in “The Iliad”, and such examples can be found in both ancient and modern works. This includes works such as the Aeneid, the Iliad of Shakespear, the Odyssey of Homer, and even modern works of literature such as the Lord of the Rings.
The Relevance of ‘The Iliad’ in the 21st Century
Given that “The Iliad” has survived for more than two and a half millennia, it has become increasingly relevant to our modern-day society. For instance, the poem is often seen as a reminder of the consequences of unrestrained passion and pride, which are still valid teachings today. Moreover, in a world casting judgment on social media and the news, “The Iliad” can provide a reminder of how the cycle of hate can quickly take over and the destruction it can cause.
Furthermore, the poem serves to remind us of the heroic efforts of brave individuals who fought and died in the cause of justice and freedom. Characters like Hector, Achilles and Patroclus are seen as symbols of self-sacrifice and struggle, and remind us of the struggle of human nature against the injustices of this world.
The Overall Consequence of ‘The Iliad’
Overall, “The Iliad” belongs in both categories of poetry and prose. This is a unique characteristic that separates “The Iliad” from other works of literature, and has made it a classic and timeless work of literature. It has also become a valuable source of inspiration for many musicians, writers and storytellers for centuries, and continues to be relevant to modern-day society.
The poem has endured for so long partly due to its subtle and powerful messages and themes in which we can all relate. It speaks of heroism, love, hate and the clash between pride and ambition, and is a constant reminder of how fragile the human condition can be. Many decades after the original poem was composed, “The Iliad,” in its many forms and languages, continues to be relevant, and has a profound influence on our lives.
