Fagles' translation uses punctuation to create dramatic emphasis. For example, the dash in the opening line creates a momentary pause for drama, "Rage - Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus' son Achilles," (Book I, line 1). A more subdued pause is created by ellipsis during a speech by the seer "Achilles, dear to Zeus... you order me to explain Apollo's anger" (Book I, lines 86-87). Later, an explanation point marks both the end of a short syllable, and creates a feeling of drama and emphasis, as the runner says, "Courage!" (Book I, line 99).
Similes are used frequently throughout Homer's Iliad. In using similes to compare on object to another, Homer illustrates much of the action throughout the poem. During the Battle of Achilles, in Book I, he describes the god Phoebus Apollo's descent from the peaks of Olympus, in these terms: "and down he came like night" (Book I, line 54). Here, simile helps create a feeling of power and better illustrates the overwhelming, sweeping nature of the god's descent. Smile is also used in dialogue, as in King Nestor of Gerene's pronouncement: "Shame on you... To stay talking here like children, when you should fight like men....
(Book II, line 394). Here, Homer uses simile to create a realistic feeling for the dialogue throughout the book. Simile is also used to describe characters and groups in the book. He describes the Greeks as "like children or widowed women, they murmur and would set off homeward." This simile suggests that the Greeks are sniveling and afraid (Book II, line 331).
In conclusion, Homer uses overall structure, rhythm, diction, punctuation, and similes to mark meter and create tone and effect in the Iliad. All of these stylistic choices reflect the fact that Homer's Iliad was originally an epic poem meant to be presented orally, and with great drama and emphasis.
Works Cited
Bookrags. The Iliad. 24 October 2005. http://www.bookrags.com/notes/il/BIO.htm
Dunkle, Roger. 1986. The Classical Origins of Western Culture, The Core Studies 1 Study Guide. Brooklyn College Core Curriculum Series. Brooklyn College, The City University of New York. Accessed October 25, 2005. http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/classics/dunkle/studyguide/homer.htm.
Homer. 1990. The Iliad. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Classics.
