Intelligence Squared The Epic Reach of Homer's Iliad
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Nov 15, 2023 Joining the discussion are Robin Lane Fox, an acclaimed classicist and author of 'Homer and His Iliad,' and Daisy Dunn, a classicist with a focus on women's roles in ancient history. They delve into the depths of Homer's 'Iliad,' emphasizing its emotional resonance and narrative brilliance. The conversation highlights the individual genius of Homer, the role of women in the text, and the complexities of translating this epic masterpiece. Their insights reveal the enduring influence of the Iliad on literature and the human experience.
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Early Iliad Studies
- Robin Lane Fox's early engagement with the Iliad involved a unique learning experience at Eton College.
- His teacher, Richard Martineau, would translate the Greek improvisationaly, fostering a deep appreciation for the poem's flow and power.
Oxford's Analytical Approach
- Oxford's analytical approach to the Iliad, during Lane Fox's studies, sometimes overshadowed the poem's emotional impact.
- This analytical focus, prevalent in Oxford's academic circles, explored the historical and linguistic context rather than the emotional power.
Homer's Composition and the Dark Ages
- Lane Fox believes Homer composed the Iliad around 730-740 BC during a period he considers more advanced than present times.
- He suggests that the 'dark ages', the time of Homer, possessed a powerful performative oral tradition lost today.
