Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack explores themes in Homer's Iliad, focusing on narrative complexity, heroism, politics, and the human condition as reflected through its characters, their relationships, and the epic's underlying themes. It delves into academic analyses, storytelling mechanics, and the epic's reception and adaptation over time.

Homer's Iliad Epic Storytelling Classical Literature Academic Analysis Heroism and Mythology Narrative Techniques Politics in Literature Oral Tradition and Reception Ancient and Modern Interpretations Literary Devices and Structure

The hottest Substack posts of Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack

And their main takeaways

After the Epic's End

119 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
📚 Literature Greek mythology Literary Analysis Book Discussion Classical Studies
  1. The author discusses their transition to using Substack as a platform for their work, focusing on deepening their engagement with the epic Iliad.
  2. The author emphasizes the importance of sharing and promoting scholarly work, aiming to reach a broader audience beyond traditional academic circles.
  3. Through their Substack posts, the author explores various themes and new scholarship related to the Iliad, offering insights and analyses for readers interested in the epic.

"Better off Dead"

59 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
📚 Literature Epic Analysis Character Study Myth
  1. In the laments of Homer, the focus is on personal reflections and the impact of loss, rather than on martial glory.
  2. The positioning of speakers in the laments serves to shift from intimate relationships to a broader perspective, highlighting the universal aspects of grief.
  3. Helen's lament for Hektor in Iliad 24 humanizes Hektor, emphasizing his kindness and protective nature, rather than his heroism in battle.

Priam And Achilles, Pity and Fear

59 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
📚 Literature Epic poetry Tragedy
  1. The emotional impact of storytelling in the Iliad involves creating blends between personal experiences and the narratives heard, fostering sympathy and empathy.
  2. Pity plays a crucial role in the interactions between characters like Priam and Achilles, shaping their shared experiences of suffering and wonder.
  3. The epic genre, particularly in the Iliad, emphasizes feelings of pity and fear which have parallels with the elements of tragedy, according to Aristotle's theory.

"Blow Up Your TV"

59 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
📚 Literature
  1. Thetis interacts with Achilles in Iliad 24, urging him to accept his mortality and make peace with his grief, serving as a bridge between the divine and mortal realms.
  2. Thetis' speech to Achilles involves word play and alludes to traditional narratives, showcasing a complex layering of themes and motifs within the epic poetry.
  3. Thetis' advice to Achilles about embracing life despite its inevitable end is reminiscent of similar wisdom found in other ancient texts, highlighting a universal theme of mortality and the importance of living fully.

"As If He Were Going to His Death"

59 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Epic poetry Interpretation
  1. The language in Priam's journey in Iliad 24 is filled with themes of burial and death, evoking a sense of a funerary procession and a heroic journey.
  2. Hermes' role in leading Priam to Achilles represents a transition between different realms, symbolizing a journey to the underworld and emphasizing the exceptional nature of the epic's scene.
  3. The movements and interactions in book 24 of the Iliad draw upon traditions of katabasis, the mythological motif of entering the underworld, and reflect on themes of death, burial practices, and honoring the dead, creating a rich interplay between narrative and ritual.
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Starving Then Stoned

39 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
📚 Literature Mythology Narrative analysis Classical Studies Interpretation Comparative Analysis
  1. In the story Achilles tells Priam about Niobe, there is a comparison to encourage Priam to join him for a meal, showcasing the theme of shared suffering and the necessity of returning to normalcy after loss.
  2. The ancient responses to Niobe's narrative in the text show how the blending of myth and reality can create a powerful symbolic message, even if it seems illogical at first glance.
  3. Achilles learns important lessons about life and loss through the story of Niobe, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life and sharing moments with others despite grief and hardship.

You're Gonna Die Too, Friend

99 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Mythology Literature Analysis Ancient Classical
  1. Book 21 of the Iliad presents chaotic and intense battle scenes that highlight the brevity of human life and the themes of mortality, violence, and heroism.
  2. Achilles' memorable speech to Lykaon reflects his nihilistic acceptance of fate and mortality, showcasing a transition in his grief from mourning to a thirst for vengeance.
  3. The language used in Achilles' speech also delves into the symbolism of the heroic body, emphasizing the inevitability of death even for heroes with perfect physical forms.

Achilles' Wicked Deeds

59 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Grief Rituals Sacrifice
  1. Evaluation of epic actions requires understanding ancient cultural context and avoiding anachronism
  2. The sacrifice of the twelve Trojan youths by Achilles in the Iliad highlights extreme grief and excessiveness in the narrative
  3. The depiction of human sacrifice in the Iliad serves to characterize Achilles as an individual separate from traditional, civilized society

What Do You Do With a Problem Like Achilles?

99 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
📚 Literature Themes Narrative Violence Mythology Criticism
  1. Book 21 of the Iliad portrays Achilles' extreme violence and cosmic impact, highlighting the danger he poses and his conflict with gods.
  2. The narrative in the Iliad marks Achilles' actions as excessive and transgressive, questioning the traditional heroic depictions in battle.
  3. Ancient readers and scholia saw the behavior of Achilles in book 21 as excessive and indicated a shift in the epic's storytelling approach.

Hektor's Body and the Burden

79 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Trauma
  1. Book 22 of the Iliad focuses on three main parts: suspense building up to the final confrontation between Achilles and Hector, the face-off itself and the mistreatment of Hector's body, and the initial reactions to Hector's death, especially Andromache's lament.
  2. The narrative in Book 22 sheds light on themes of heroism, the interaction between gods and humans, and the dynamics of friends and family relationships.
  3. Hector's behavior in Book 22 illustrates the complex internal struggles faced by individuals in times of crisis, highlighting the psychological and emotional toll of prolonged uncertainty and anticipation.

That Mare is Mine!

59 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Narrative Traditions
  1. Iliad 23 is dedicated to honoring Patroklos through burial and funeral games, reflecting themes of heroism, politics, and narrative traditions.
  2. Funeral games in Greek narratives serve as settings to explore shared elite culture and establish identities through non-destructive competition.
  3. The funeral games in Iliad 23 provide a ritualized space for re-imagining politics, resolving conflicts, and showcasing Achilles' character growth.

That Other Me

119 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Epic Narrative Grief Characters Audience
  1. Achilles' lament for Patroklos in Iliad 19 explores the impact of Patroklos' death on others, showcasing themes of personal loss and grief.
  2. Achilles expresses a collapse of identities with Patroklos and projects the loss of a single person onto his living father and son, illustrating a narrative of replacement and surrogacy.
  3. Grief is associative and unpredictable, touching not only the mourner but also the internal and external audiences, encouraging reflection on personal losses and the importance of responding to others' suffering.

Disfiguring the Fallow Earth

39 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classical Studies Criticism Themes Characters Narrative structure
  1. The final book of the Iliad, Book 24, ties up major tensions, transitions between the living and dead worlds, and revisits themes like reciprocity and mourning, notably in the meeting of Priam and Achilles.
  2. Zeus serves as a figure of justice in Book 24, intervening to settle the dispute between gods over giving Hektor a proper burial; this showcases a different approach to politics and the separation between mortals and gods.
  3. The opening scene of Iliad 24 sets the stage for the return of Hektor's body by emphasizing the importance of divine intervention and the resolution of conflicts, presenting Zeus as a symbol of ethical thinking and justice.

Laying My Burdens Down

59 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Epic poetry Analysis Characters Themes
  1. Hektor imagines disarming to meet Achilles and make a truce, emphasizing pity and shame as softer moral norms.
  2. Hektor's longing for an equal relationship with Achilles shows a desire for a peaceful resolution, although their fate is driven by duty and rage.
  3. The interactions between Hektor, Achilles, and Patroklos create a complex web of emotional intensity and tragedy in the _Iliad_.

Rage Won't Raise the Dead

39 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
📚 Literature Epic Analysis Characterization Themes Mythology
  1. The funeral games in the Iliad are not filler but are deeply tied to themes like honor and institutional order, reflecting ancient audiences' experiences and myths.
  2. The speech of Patroklos to Achilles acts as a powerful moment highlighting the theme of rage and its consequences in the epic, urging Achilles to think about their past and relationship.
  3. The blended narrative of Achilles and Patroklos in death emphasizes themes of surrogacy and eternal connection, inviting reflection on the power of loss, grief, and love in shaping individual actions and the world.

Scarcity and the Iliad

199 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📚 Literature Classics Greek mythology
  1. Book 12 of the Iliad uses speech exchanges and similes to reflect on politics, heroism, and scarcity, demonstrating the depth and complexity of the narrative.
  2. Similes in the Iliad serve as a bridge between the characters in the poem and the real-world experiences of the audience, showing how the ordinary and the epic intertwine.
  3. The similes in the middle of the Iliad create anticipatory tension and convey the themes of scarcity, precarity, and the transient nature of balance, adding layers of meaning to the epic tale.

Even Zeus Suffers

119 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📚 Literature Greek mythology Epic poetry Death Gods Mortality
  1. In the Iliad, the scene of Zeus mourning for his son Sarpedon highlights themes of heroism, human mortality, and the relationship between gods and humans.
  2. The internal and external tensions surrounding Sarpedon's death in the Iliad demonstrate the complexities of fate, divine power, and the connections to larger epic and cosmic themes.
  3. Zeus's decision to honor Sarpedon in death with proper burial rites emphasizes the universality of human mortality and the importance of honoring the dead, establishing a cosmic order where certain rights remain untouchable.

There's Plenty of Crying in Epic

119 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📚 Literature Analysis Themes Relationships Interpretation
  1. Book 16 of the Iliad is considered crucial to the plot of the poem and engages critically with major themes like Heroism, Family & Friends, Gods and Humans, and Narrative Traditions.
  2. The meeting between Patroklos and Achilles, the preparations for war, Patroklos' aristeia, and his ultimate death at the hands of Hektor are key components of Book 16.
  3. The relationship between Achilles and Patroklos in the Iliad is profound, with interpretations varying from romantic/sexual to a more nuanced homosocial or homosexual dynamic, sparking scholarly discussions and modern reception.

The Gamemaster's Anger and Fear

59 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classic literature Mythology Narrative structure Character analysis Narrative Techniques
  1. The encounter between Achilles and Aeneas in the Iliad showcases a complex interplay of heroic motifs and meta-moments, inviting audience engagement in different narrative levels.
  2. The use of 'pivotal contrafactuals' in the text creates tension and deviation from traditional narratives, allowing for exploration of alternative outcomes that challenge the epic tradition.
  3. The divine intervention in the narrative, such as Poseidon's interference to save Aeneas, highlights themes of fate, emotion, and the role of gods as game masters shaping the story.

A New Widow and Her Orphan

39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry Greek mythology Classic literature Narrative analysis Tragedy
  1. Andromache's lament in the Iliad for Hektor showcases the profound grief of a widow and her orphaned child, expressing the devastating impact of loss on families and communities.
  2. Andromache's speeches highlight themes of trauma and projected pain, emphasizing the tragic fate awaiting her son Astyanax as a symbol of lost potential and unfulfilled promise.
  3. The epic portrays the horrors of war through the lens of violence against children like Astyanax, revealing the irrevocable destruction violence brings to cities and the emptiness of glory in the face of irreparable loss.

The Power to Control the World

79 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
📚 Literature Narrative Interpretation Comparison Myth
  1. Ekphrasis in literature involves describing a work of art within a verbal or textual creation, shedding light on the text's awareness of its literary nature.
  2. In the epic of Achilles' shield, the imagery of a peaceful city compared to a city at war invites reflection on conflict resolution and the importance of judgment in storytelling.
  3. Comparing the shield of Achilles to other artistic representations, like the Allegory of Good and Bad Government frescoes, highlights the dichotomy between well-governed and strife-ridden cities and the role of audience judgment in interpreting such depictions.

The Powerful Mind of Zeus

99 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
📚 Literature Classics Narrative Mythology Analysis
  1. Hektor's health is crucial for the survival of the city and tied to Zeus' plans in the Iliad.
  2. Zeus' mind and intentions play a significant role in enforcing his overall plan.
  3. Zeus' speech in Book 15 of the Iliad acts as a guiding force, setting the narrative course of the epic.

Always Second Best (Or Worst)

79 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Classics Analysis Characterization Mythology Epic poetry
  1. Book 17 of the Iliad focuses on the characterization of Hektor, revealing his shortcomings as a warrior despite his reputation.
  2. The primary Trojan fighters like Hektor, Aeneas, and Sarpedon in the Iliad do not always live up to expectations on the battlefield, showcasing the complexities of warfare and heroism.
  3. Hektor's actions and interactions in book 17 highlight the themes of divine intervention, personal agency, and the inevitability of failure in the epic narrative.

They're Just Not That Into Us

39 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
📚 Literature Epic poetry Greek mythology Classical Studies
  1. Book 21 of the Iliad showcases the cosmic disorder inherent in a world where gods and mortals coexist, highlighting the danger of heroes like Achilles.
  2. The Homeric poems, including the Iliad and the Odyssey, narrate the development of the cosmos and the transition towards a world closer to the audience's lives, exploring the concept of demigods and the divine history.
  3. Through the dialogue between Poseidon and Apollo in the Iliad, the gods decide to step back from interfering in mortal affairs, illustrating the theme that humans gain glory through their sacrifices and actions in the face of mortality.

Dead and Gentle Forever

59 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
📚 Literature Classics Interpretation
  1. Briseis' lament in the Iliad provides insight into her character and serves as a foreshadowing of Achilles' fate.
  2. Briseis' evolving relationship with Achilles in the epic raises questions about the nature of their bond, revealing complexities and ambiguities.
  3. Briseis' character is instrumentalized in the Iliad to serve the narrative needs of Achilles, highlighting broader themes of women's agency and treatment in the story.

People Are Going to Tell Our Story

59 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Themes Characters Narrative Greek mythology Analysis
  1. Book 19 of the Iliad delves into resolving political conflicts, reconciling characters, and preparing for battle.
  2. The exchange of speeches between Achilles and Agamemnon in Iliad 19 reflects concerns about stories and storytelling, showcasing how characters acknowledge their roles in future narratives.
  3. The comparison between Zeus and Agamemnon in a story told by Agamemnon to Achilles emphasizes the complex dynamics of power, authority, and responsibility in their relationship.

Zeus and 'Righting' the Divine Constitution

99 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mythology Politics Classics Reading Epic poetry
  1. Book 15 of the Iliad focuses on Zeus reestablishing his authority among the gods and reigniting his plan.
  2. The actions and conversations among the gods in Book 15 offer insights into divine politics and how they mirror human political dynamics.
  3. Zeus' leadership style in Book 15 contrasts with human governance, showcasing the implausibility of replicating divine autocracy on earth.

The Personal Political

59 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Epic Characters Narrative structure Political Dynamics
  1. In the Iliad, the assembly of Trojans in book 18 highlights the tension between individual heroism and collective decision-making.
  2. The conflict between Polydamas and Hektor showcases different forms of political authority in ancient Troy.
  3. Hektor's rejection of Polydamas' advice reflects a blend of uncertainty, delusion, and leadership, revealing the complexities of political dynamics in the epic.

Things to Do in Ilium When You’re Dead

59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
📚 Literature Analysis
  1. Iliad 18 brings us to the end of the longest day in the Iliad, with various events delaying Achilles' return to war and focusing on key themes such as family, heroism, politics, gods and humans, and narrative traditions.
  2. Achilles' speech in Book 18 highlights his grief over failing to protect Patroklos, showcasing his deep emotions and vivid language that adds to the epic's narrative complexity.
  3. Achilles' self-criticism of being a 'useless burden on the earth' reflects deeper themes about the role of heroes, choices, and the consequences of their actions in the context of the epic.

Concerns For Those About To Die

39 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📚 Literature Narrative Traditions Heroism
  1. Book 20 of the Iliad brings out the themes of narrative traditions, the interactions between Gods and humans, and heroism.
  2. Zeus in Book 20 shifts from being an internal audience to briefly shaping the narrative, showing his concerns for the consequences of actions beyond fate.
  3. The pleasure Zeus takes in watching the narrative unfold hints at the vicarious experience of resolving suspense and the ending of a tale.

A Doublet Disposed

59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Narrative Analysis Metaphor Comparison
  1. The death of Euphorbus in Homer's Iliad serves to resolve narrative tension and bring order to the story, illustrating how loose ends are handled in epic poetry.
  2. Homeric similes in stories like the Iliad engage with thematic elements, advancing the plot while also providing insight into the tension between the overall narrative and specific details.
  3. The brief life and death of Euphorbus in the Iliad can be seen as a way to resolve a narrative paradox, showcasing how Homer's poetry works within the boundaries of established narrative traditions.

Rescuing the Bod(ies)

59 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📚 Literature Narrative Traditions Performance
  1. Book 17 of the Iliad offers important details and character development, adding depth to the narrative beyond just advancing the plot.
  2. The discussion of the Epic Cycle and Neoanalysis highlights the complexities of understanding how different narratives influence each other in ancient storytelling traditions.
  3. The rescue of Achilles' body in Book 17 showcases the richness and depth of oral traditions, and raises questions about the relationships between various epic traditions.

Stop and Hear the Stories!

79 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎙 Podcasts Classics Literature Mythology
  1. The post discusses podcasts that delve into Homer, heroic patterns, and ancient literature, featuring engaging conversations and interpretations.
  2. There is a mention of various podcast appearances by the author, covering different aspects of Homer's works like the Iliad, Achilles, Paris, and their impact on modern culture.
  3. The author also references video content related to myths and explores the intersection of classic stories with contemporary media like movies.

Why Must We Fight and Die?

79 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mythology Heroism Speeches Philosophy Mortality
  1. Sarpedon's speech in the Iliad emphasizes the importance of proving one's noble worth through deeds to earn fame and glory in the face of mortality.
  2. The contrast between Sarpedon's wish for immortality and Hektor's desperate energy in the text highlights different attitudes towards facing death in battles.
  3. The epic explores the complexity of heroism, questioning the values of fighting for personal gain and fame in the context of mortality and the reality of battle.

Epic Narratives and their Local Sidekicks

59 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Narrative structure Ancient Texts
  1. Book 13 of the Iliad showcases lesser-known Homeric heroes like Idomeneus and Meriones, echoing the heroic pairs of other epics, highlighting the importance of these relationships in narrative structures.
  2. The pairing of heroes and their sidekicks allows audiences to see heroes in friendships, possibly providing commentary on characters who lack such relationships, like Hektor, showcasing a social and political deprivation.
  3. The rise of Idomeneus in Book 13 integrates Cretan myths into the Homeric narrative, demonstrating the Homeric strategy of incorporating local traditions and narrative patterns into epic storytelling.

The Beginning of His Trouble

79 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
📚 Literature Analysis Characterization Plot Narrative Techniques
  1. Book 11 of the Iliad is critical to the plot as it leads to a turning point in the Trojan War, with notable Greeks getting wounded.
  2. Achilles' interest in the battle showcases his complex character, sparking discussions among ancient scholars about his motivations.
  3. Ancient scholars note that Achilles sends Patroklos to investigate a wounded man, setting the stage for future events and highlighting the limits of human knowledge.

The Politics of Rage

159 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
📚 Literature Classical Studies
  1. The first book of the Iliad sets up surprising inversions and initiates a plot that revolves around themes like honoring Achilles and political conflicts.
  2. Achilles' rage in the Iliad is multi-faceted, influenced by different reasons and contexts, not just political, and resonates with cosmic disorder.
  3. The Iliad intertwines the political dynamics between characters like Achilles and Agamemnon, reflecting on concepts of authority, dissent, and decision-making.

The Iliad's Longest Day

59 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📚 Literature Analysis Narrative Characters Themes
  1. Book 13 of the Iliad focuses on the political aspect, the role of gods and humans, and narrative traditions.
  2. The structure of the story in Book 13 tests the limits of the Achaeans, the narrative, and audience patience.
  3. The narrative in the Iliad, particularly in Book 13, intricately plays with the concept of time, dilating it during war and aligning story time with narrative time.

Merely the Third To Kill Me

39 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
📚 Literature Classics Narrative Techniques Character analysis Prophecy Epic poetry
  1. Patroklos' death in the Iliad is a pivotal moment that redirects Achilles' rage towards Hektor and explores themes of hubris and fate.
  2. The use of apostrophe in Homer, like directly addressing characters, creates emotional impact and immersion for the audience.
  3. Hektor's role in Patroklos' death raises questions about heroism, fate, and the ambivalence towards excellence in warfare.