The Iliad
This is an ancillary book to the Great Book The IliadMy Thoughts
This was my second reading of the Iliad in the past year. The second reading really lends itself to picking up on more of the foreshadowing in the book.
First, a comment on the translation. I read both the Iliad & Odyssey using Robert Fitzgerald’s translation and the thing I loved most is that Hermes’ speech always rhymes. He is the only god who Fitzgerald chooses to rhyme and I think that is just the most lovely translation choice. Hermes only has a few lines, mostly at the end of the Iliad, but that twist was so delightful.
Second, the Iliad is now one of my favorite books. Reading it a second time opened up so much more. I wasn’t as focused on the storyline this time and so I could pay attention to other things like descriptions, connection points, and speeches. I also paired this reading with a companion guide that really helped me understand the story better.