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

Beginning the Iliad, Once, Twice, and Again

159 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📚 Literature Analysis Translation Epic poetry Scholarship
  1. The initial lines of the Iliad set the stage for the epic story by invoking themes like rage and heroism, preparing the audience for what's to come.
  2. In addition to the well-known 8 lines, there are shorter alternate beginnings for the Iliad found in manuscript traditions, offering different perspectives to set up the audience for the epic story.
  3. The variations in the beginnings of the Iliad highlight the complexity of the oral tradition, showing how different versions can be equally valid in starting the epic poem.

Achilles Sings the Hero Within

79 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
📚 Literature Mythology Narrative Storytelling Epic poetry
  1. Achilles used singing to calm his rage in the Iliad, showing the power of music as a form of self-care.
  2. The phrase 'famous stories of men' in ancient poetry was seen as providing wisdom and advice through narratives.
  3. Achilles' engagement with the 'kléa andrôn' reveals a deeper exploration of narrative blending and the interpretation of stories, highlighting the complexity of storytelling in the Iliad.

Two Ways to Decline Zeus

99 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
📚 Literature Analysis Translation Myth History Scholarship
  1. Book 5 of the Iliad provides speeches that explore theomachy and the poem's connection to other traditions.
  2. The flexibility of Homeric verse allows for two ways to decline Zeus in metrical shape.
  3. Dione's speech in the Iliad serves as a good example of a paradeigma, using past examples to persuade characters, and can be compared to other epics for structure and content.

Brothers, Sisters, Wives, and Divine (Dis)Order

39 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📚 Literature
  1. Book 15 of the Iliad explores conflicts between gods without showing them at war, focusing on Zeus and Hera, mirroring gender conflicts in the Theogony and hinting at different models for authority among gods.
  2. Hera's anger and conflicts with Zeus clarify his plans for the poem, especially his responses to her in books 4, 8, and 14/15, outlining important events to come and connecting to the larger arc of the Trojan War.
  3. Zeus and Poseidon's interactions in book 15 reveal tensions over their roles in the divine realm, with Poseidon challenging Zeus but eventually yielding, showcasing a patriarchal order in Greek mythology.

Falling Asleep after Sex and Other Cosmic Problems

39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Gender Dynamics Epic poetry Interpretation
  1. The scene of Zeus being seduced by Hera in the Iliad offers insights into divine cosmos, power dynamics, and themes of desire and limitations.
  2. The interaction between Zeus and Hera reflects on themes of succession, desire, and the disruption of divine order in the broader context of the Trojan War narrative.
  3. Comparisons between the Iliadic scene and the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite highlight the serious undertones of desire and its impacts on gods and humans in cosmic narratives.
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Where Did Homeric Book Divisions Come From?

39 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature History Education
  1. Homeric book divisions have stirred debate on their origin - were they initially present due to the adoption of the alphabet for writing Homer down?
  2. The idea that book divisions represent smaller performance units or were a product of Hellenistic editing are also discussed, adding complexity to the debate.
  3. The evolution of Homeric epics from performance contexts to the fixity of written texts played a significant role in shaping the structure and divisions within the works.

Reading and Teaching Homer

119 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
📚 Literature Classic literature Teaching Analysis Recommendations
  1. Prepare to read Homer by starting with something else first, like an overview or graphic novel, to familiarize yourself with the characters and stories.
  2. When reading Homer for the first time, focus on the main story being told and don't get bogged down by every detail or reference that may not be crucial to understanding the overall tale.
  3. Understand the unique aesthetics and structure of Homeric poetry by exploring the language, repetitions, and devices like metonymy, which adds to the richness and depth of the epic.

Dolon and Achilles; Dolon AS Achilles

59 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Classics Analysis Interpretation
  1. Scholars have differing views on the importance of Iliad 10 in the epic, with some questioning its traditional basis and relevance to the main story.
  2. Book 10 of the Iliad offers important insights into the themes of politics, heroism, and community, showcasing contrasts between different characters like Dolon and Achilles.
  3. The opening lines of the Iliad set the tone for the epic, focusing on the rage of Achilles, which evolves the story into a narrative about his anger and its impact on his own people.

Homeric Redshirts and Iliad 10

59 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
📚 Literature Analysis Characterization Composition Tradition Themes
  1. The introduction of Dolon in Iliad 10 serves as a strategic element to provide rest and anticipation in the epic, suggesting it is integral to the overall theme and composition.
  2. Dolon's character in Iliad 10 is complex, with his appearance, relationship to wealth, and status as a single son with five sisters all playing significant roles in understanding his role in the story.
  3. Ancient scholars drew connections between Dolon's traits, such as his greed and appearance, to deeper themes like heroism in response to the actions of characters like Achilles, offering insights into how characters are developed in Homeric poetry.

A Heroic Tale Curtailed

39 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📚 Literature Classics Narrative Performance Mythology
  1. Homeric poetry's characteristic of digressions and narrative explorations provides context and content to a larger world, reflecting how human memory works.
  2. The intricate meanings in Homeric narratives are collaborative developments in a dynamic context between composer and audience, capitalizing on human memory and cognition.
  3. The story of Othryoneus seeking Kassandra's hand in book 13 of the Iliad reflects themes of war, glory, and futility, with details that resonate through familiar storytelling traditions.

Life, Death, and all the Words Between

59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
📚 Literature Analysis Speech Characters Debate Language
  1. Book 9 of the Iliad is crucial for understanding Achilles' character development and epic themes like heroism.
  2. The language of Achilles in the Iliad has been a subject of significant scholarly debate, revealing insights into his character and the nature of Homeric speech.
  3. The plot of Book 9 involves the Achaeans' attempts to persuade Achilles to return to battle, showcasing his complex responses and highlighting themes of politics, heroism, and narrative traditions.

Long Ago, Far Away

79 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
📚 Literature Narratives
  1. The concept of an Epic Cycle related to Trojan War narratives is likely a scholarly creation, not a historical reality.
  2. Expanding narrative universes like Star Wars provide space for new stories to respond to changing audiences, while canonical texts exert a centralized authority.
  3. Ancient narratives, like the Trojan War stories, evolved from local and oral traditions, adapting to suit different audiences and cultural contexts over time.

Looking Up and Out

39 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📚 Literature Analysis Interpretation Themes Epic poetry Narrative
  1. Book 12 of the Iliad provides a unique perspective by exploring themes like heroism, politics, and the inevitability of destruction, situated in the middle of the Trojan War narrative.
  2. The destruction of the Achaean walls in the future and the omen interpretation debate between Hektor and Polydamas add depth to the political and narrative themes in the epic.
  3. Sarpedon's speech to Glaukos addresses the idea of heroism, highlighting the complex nature of human actions and the cosmic perspective within the storytelling of the Iliad.

Erasing the Past

59 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
📚 Literature Greek mythology Narrative analysis Epic poetry Classical Studies
  1. Poseidon's concern about his fame in the Iliad reflects a zero-sum game of kleos, demonstrating the importance of recognition in ancient mythology.
  2. Zeus authorizes Poseidon to destroy the Achaean wall, emphasizing the balance of memory and forgetting controlled by divine agency.
  3. The detailed destruction of the wall in Book 12 expands upon the narrative of the Trojan War, showing a cosmic perspective and the cyclical nature of destruction in the heroic age.

Mind Reading and Stolen Wits

59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
📚 Literature Analysis Narrative Interpretation Criticism
  1. The scene between Glaucus and Diomedes in the Iliad showcases the establishment of xenia, a storytelling of ancestral lineage, and the exchange of armor to signify continuing friendship.
  2. Ancient commentators were intrigued by Zeus taking away Glaukos' wits after the armor exchange, offering various interpretations about this judgment by the Homeric narrator.
  3. Glaukos strategically uses storytelling to avoid fighting Diomedes, showcasing how narratives can be weaponized for complex outcomes, akin to Odysseus' skill in mind-reading to subjugate and manipulate others.

Speaking of Centaurs:

79 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
📚 Literature Mythology Rhetoric
  1. In the _Iliad_, Nestor uses stories from the past as examples in his persuasive speeches to influence others' decisions.
  2. Stories and examples from other narratives in the _Iliad_ may create dissonance with the current context, making them less effective as models for the characters' challenges.
  3. The epic focuses on how characters relate to stories from the past, reflecting on their present situations, and on how the _Iliad_ might be a paradigm for audiences' lives.

99 Homeric Problems

79 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Interpretation Transmission
  1. The Homeric epics have been interpreted differently over time, and understanding this is crucial when studying them.
  2. The 'Homeric Question' involves debates about the authorship, oral tradition, and the reception of the epics.
  3. The transmission models, stages for the epic, and reception models offer insights into the complex history of the Homeric texts and how they were perceived over time.

Night Raids and Gimmick Episodes

39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
📚 Literature Epic Narrative Analysis Criticism
  1. Book 10 of the Iliad, also known as the 'Doloneia', explores the themes of politics, heroism, and narrative traditions through a nighttime raid by Diomedes and Odysseus.
  2. There is debate among scholars about the inclusion of Book 10 in Homer's Iliad, with some suggesting it was a later addition by Peisistratos.
  3. Gimmick episodes like the Doloneia in the Iliad serve as side quests, allowing for experimentation and expansion of the narrative world, providing a break from the main plot while still contributing to the overall story.

Stranded in Iliad 8 with Nestor and Diomedes

39 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
📚 Literature Analysis Traditions Narrative Scholarship
  1. Book 8 of the Iliad sets the stage for the crisis that leads to Achilles' return in Book 9, showcasing themes of divine control and human leadership in the face of absence.
  2. Neoanalysis in Homeric scholarship examines the original versions of the poems before they were edited or altered, shedding light on the complexities of textual transmission and interpretation.
  3. The challenges of neoanalysis include risks of oversimplification in tracing narrative connections, potentially overlooking audience experiences and the evolution of traditional narratives.

Wishing the Impossible

39 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
📚 Literature Greek mythology Character analysis Epic poetry Comparison
  1. Hektor in the Iliad is a complex character who leads the Trojan war effort but faces challenges and limitations in his portrayal.
  2. Readers connect with Hektor as a noble character in the epic, showing deep emotional responses towards him.
  3. Hektor's speeches reveal his eagerness for battle, his wish for immortality, and his unique approach to rallying his people, showcasing his internal conflicts.

Tyranny and the Plot

39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
📚 Literature Classics Epic poetry Storytelling Performance Mythology
  1. Book 8 of the Iliad focuses on Zeus shaping the plot through divine council and speeches, emphasizing the influence of Gods and Humans in the narrative.
  2. Zeus's control of the plot showcases his authority and highlights the consequences of opposing him, reflecting a theme of power dynamics and storytelling.
  3. Scholars propose book divisions in the Iliad align with potential performances, with Zeus's speeches marking key moments and guiding the understanding of the epic's plot.

Major Themes for Reading and Teaching the Iliad

59 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
📚 Literature Themes Narrative Traditions Gods Politics Heroism
  1. The Iliad presents interwoven themes like politics, heroism, gods and humans, family and friends, and narrative traditions.
  2. In the Iliad, politics are explored through conflicts among Greeks, Trojans, and Gods, delving into questions of authority and consequences of dysfunctional politics.
  3. Heroism in the Iliad is depicted through characters like Achilles and Hektor, exploring themes of strength, wisdom, and narrative patterns of withdrawal and return.

Homer's Parents, Country, and True Name

59 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Scholarship Ancient Greece Poetry
  1. Homer's parentage and birthplace were subjects of debate in antiquity, with various conflicting claims made about his lineage, including being the son of different figures or from different regions.
  2. Homer's name is believed to have origins linked to tense political situations, where he was named after being a hostage or because he provided inspired war advice.
  3. Homeric poems were not necessarily composed as complete works but were performed in parts by rhapsodes, later compiled and ordered by various individuals, including Pisistratus the tyrant of Athens.

What A Dangerous Thing to Say!

19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Politics Gods Narrative
  1. Book 14 of the Iliad presents a moment of crisis with leaders making flawed decisions and the consequences of their actions.
  2. The speech by Odysseus to Agamemnon showcases themes of leadership, dissent, and the impact of recklessness in Homeric poetry.
  3. Diomedes emerges as a significant character in Book 14, embodying the exploration of dissent, consensus, and the importance of multiple voices in decision-making.

"Why Does the Iliad Begin with Rage?"

59 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Homeric Scholia provide valuable insights into ancient texts and intellectual history, including details on vocabulary, variant forms, and interpretive issues
  2. Modern scholars heavily rely on the Homeric Scholia, but caution is needed in weighing the information presented within them
  3. The first word of the Iliad, 'menis' or 'rage,' holds thematic significance in Greek epic and myth, sparking debates on its purpose and role in the narrative

The Plan, And Imperfect Translations

59 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
📚 Literature Translation Epic Mythology
  1. The author plans to focus on the Iliad in upcoming content, offering various types of posts for educators and learners.
  2. The concept of 'The Plan of Zeus' in the Iliad relates to Zeus' grand design unfolding over the story, bringing about pain and conflict.
  3. Thematic words and echoes in early Greek poetry, like the works of Ibykos, highlight recurrent themes such as war and heroism across different genres.

Polysymphonic

59 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
📚 Literature Interpretation Translation Mythology Narrative
  1. Metaphors help us better understand complex concepts by providing multiple perspectives.
  2. Interpreting and translating Homer's epic poems is challenging due to their intricate layers of meaning and cultural nuances.
  3. Translators face difficulties in capturing the full essence of Homer's works due to the intricate wordplay and themes that resonate differently in various languages.

All About Athena

39 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🚌 Education Mythology Literature Ancient Greece Legends Analysis
  1. Athena's role in Homeric epic is as a right-hand to her father and a special sponsor of heroes like Diomedes in the Iliad.
  2. Athena's birth, as per various texts, reflects the resolution of conflicts in the creation of the Universe, showing her as somewhat androgynous.
  3. Athena is depicted with a wide range of epithets and cult-names across different regions, showcasing the diversity in her representations and worship.

Seeing (and Wounding) the Gods

39 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
📚 Literature Mythology Epic poetry Narrative Traditions Gods Heroes
  1. Book 5 of the Iliad presents the first full aristeia of the epic, focusing on Athena supporting Diomedes in his opposition to the gods and victory over Aeneas and Aphrodite.
  2. Book 5 contributes critically to major themes in the Iliad such as narrative traditions, heroism, and the interactions between gods and humans.
  3. The gods engage in indirect conflict in Book 5, setting the stage for more direct divine confrontations in later books, emphasizing the importance of their behavior in understanding human messages in the epic.

All the (Epic) Rage: Free Tools for Reading Homer's Iliad

59 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Translation Tools Resources
  1. Translations of Homer's work can be creations of their own, offering unique insights and serving different audiences.
  2. Studying and understanding Homeric language and meaning requires repetition, reflection, and discussion with others.
  3. Online tools like the Scaife Viewer and the Homer Multitext Project provide valuable resources for studying Homer's works, offering lexicons, manuscripts, and commentaries.

Better than our Fathers!

39 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
📚 Literature Epic Mythology Poetry Tradition Narrative
  1. In Homer's epic poetry, rivalry and competition between heroes play a significant role, shaping the narratives and relations between characters.
  2. The comparison between generations in Homer's work challenges the idea of valuing the past over the present, showcasing a dynamic of improvement and advancement.
  3. The Theban epic tradition, though not directly preserved in extant Homer texts, had a significant impact on the Homeric world, contributing to themes of heroism and conflict.

Backing Up the Future

39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
📚 Literature Characterization Rivalry Themes Mythology Epic poetry
  1. Book 4 of the Iliad focuses on politics, the gods' influence on humans, and how the narrative aligns with or deviates from traditional stories.
  2. Zeus plays a crucial role in orchestrating the plot and delineating the balance between divine will and mortal actions in the epic.
  3. Agamemnon's actions in book 4, particularly the 'epipolesis,' provide insights into leadership, hero characterization, and how the Iliad incorporates elements from other tales to establish its narrative prominence.

Suffering So Long for this Woman!

39 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
📚 Literature Ancient Texts Etymology
  1. Ancient texts offer different perspectives on Helen's role in the Trojan War, ranging from blaming her for causing suffering to providing a more complex context for her behavior.
  2. There is a debate about Helen's character that includes discussions about her name's etymology and rhetorical defenses of her actions.
  3. Modern linguistics and historical inscriptions shed light on the evolution of Helen's name and its potential origins, ranging from links to Greek digamma to suggestions of connections to Vedic goddesses.

Heroic Appearances

39 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🚌 Education Literature Mythology Language Research
  1. The ethnicity and appearance of ancient heroes, like Helen, may not align with modern concepts of race and beauty. Ancient depictions and concepts of color and appearance were likely different.
  2. Descriptions of heroes in ancient Greek literature, such as Helen, were often open to interpretation and projection by the audience, allowing for individualized ideals of beauty.
  3. Homeric poetry intentionally left physical descriptions of figures like Helen vague, encouraging audience engagement and diverse interpretations rather than prescribing fixed appearances.

(Re-)Starting the Trojan War

39 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
📚 Literature Classics Epic poetry Mythology Scholarship Narrative Traditions
  1. Book 3 of the Iliad provides examples of Homeric style through delays in the fighting and unconventional scenes.
  2. The dominant theme of the third book of the Iliad is the past, showcasing how the narrative weaves together different stories and traditions.
  3. Helen's role in creating a visual narrative sets the stage for the action in the Iliad, showing the interplay of characters and suffering in the Trojan War.

From Politics to Poetics

39 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
📚 Literature Analysis Themes Narrative Epic poetry Characters
  1. The second book of the Iliad focuses on politics and narrative traditions, with critical scenes contributing to major themes like politics, heroism, and gods interacting with humans.
  2. The Achaean assembly's actions in book 2 resolve political tension but do not fully address Achilles' absence, showcasing the resilience of the Achaeans despite conflicts.
  3. The Catalogue of Ships in book 2 serves as a reflection of mythical space and geography of antiquity, engaging with epic narrative and political dynamics, transcending the timeline of the main plot.

Insidious Inception?

19 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
📚 Literature Speeches Narrative Characters Innovation Mythology
  1. In Nestor's speech to Patroklos in Iliad 11, he tells a persuasive story aiming to redirect Achilles' rage towards Hektor, a crucial moment in completing the plot of the Iliad
  2. The way Nestor tells his story and the structure of his speech provide insights into the effectiveness and indirect nature of his persuasion, highlighting the complexity of narrative influence
  3. Nestor's speech offers potential solutions and hedging for various outcomes, showcasing the adaptability of storytelling for different audiences and circumstances in Homeric poetry

Time, Feet, and Serious Wounds

19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
📚 Literature Classics Themes Analysis Narrative Traditions Characters
  1. Book 11 of the Iliad involves a day full of battle, highlighting themes of conflict, heroism, and the role of gods in ancient literature.
  2. The plot of Book 11 includes scenes such as the conflict renewed by Zeus, Achilles' response to the suffering of others, and Nestor's persuasive speech to urge Achilles back to war.
  3. The foot wound of Diomedes in Book 11 reflects a tradition of the Trojan War, introduces elements of myth and realism, and positions the Iliad as critically engaging with the epic tradition.

Two Is Company!

19 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
📚 Literature Epic poetry Literary Analysis
  1. In the debate surrounding the inconsistent use of dual and plural forms in Homer's 'Iliad 9', the ancient Greek language had a unique dual number for pairs of things acting together.
  2. The alternation between dual and plural forms in the embassy scene in 'Iliad 9' highlights a tension between friends and foreign agents, reflecting the complicated situation between Achilles and the Achaean coalition.
  3. The persistence of dual forms in the text opens up interpretations ranging from viewing it as a simple error, to creatively using language to enhance characterization, inviting the audience to decipher meaning beyond the surface.

Give Helen Back!

19 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
📚 Literature Greek mythology Politics Rhetoric Epic poetry
  1. Book 7 of the Iliad provides insight into Greek and Trojan political organizations through divine orchestration and assemblies.
  2. The political institutions in the Iliad mirror the basic organization of many Greek city-states.
  3. Antenor's dissent and suggestion to return Helen in the Iliad reflect the limits on advice and deliberation in the Trojan polity.