Write on Homer as a realist with reference to his epic poem “The Iliad.”

Answer

Write on Homer as a realist with reference to his epic poem “The Iliad.” [NU: 2012, 16]

Homer’s (c. 800 BCE – c. 701 BCE) “The Iliad” (762 BCE) is one of the greatest epics in world literature. It presents the Trojan War with deep truth and detail. Homer is a realist because he shows human life in a very real way. He does not only describe gods and heroes. He also shows real war, pain, sorrow, and daily life. His work reflects true human feelings and real experiences of war.

Real Picture of War: Homer presents war in a realistic way. He does not hide blood or pain. Soldiers die in cruel and direct scenes. We see wounds, cries, and death in detail. For example, Homer shows how spears cut flesh and blood flows. 

“Like the generations of leaves, the lives of mortal men.” 

These images are not fantasy. They are real pictures of war. This realism makes the story powerful. Readers can feel the real suffering of the warriors. It shows that Homer is a master of realism.

Human Emotions: Homer shows real human emotions. We see love, anger, fear, and grief. 

“Rage—Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus’ son Achilles…” 

Achilles loves Patroclus like a brother. When Patroclus dies, Achilles cries in deep pain. Priam feels sorrow for Hector. He reminds Achilles of his own father. Priam says, 

“Have pity on me; remember 

your father.” 

Achilles feels pity for Priam. His heart softens, and he returns Hector’s body. Even soldiers feel fear before death. These feelings are true to life. Homer makes heroes look like real men with human hearts. This is not simple imagination. It reflects human reality. Homer’s focus on emotions makes “The Iliad”  very close to real life.

Daily Life Details: Homer also describes daily life in detail. We see food, clothes, ships, and houses. He shows how