Authors find different ways to make their works more effective. Homer does this same thing in the Iliad. Homer uses a common characteristic, but not so common literary device, time, to make his work stand out. In the process of writing, Homer chooses to manipulate time in some areas to give the reader a simpler understanding of and a truer sense of what is happening. Throughout the Iliad, Homer, for the reader's understanding and to convey personal beliefs, plays with the timing of events involving the god Zeus and the goddess Athene.
             One example of Homer's time manipulation is apparent in Athene's coercion of Hektor. As Hektor is being chased by Achilleus, Athene is speaking to Achilleus "in winged words." (370) As she gives Achilleus a pep talk of sorts, she also "[catches] up with brilliant Hektor" (370) and convinces him to stand his ground and "beat [Achilleus] back." (370) As these events take place neither Achilleus nor Hektor gain nor lose any ground. Time stands still in order for divine events to take place. This and other delayings in time prove to create an easy way to let the reader discover and understand Homer's belief in godly intervention.
             Another example of a simultaneous event made simpler by manipulation of time occurs when Hektor and Achilleus finally begin to battle. As the two warriors "stand fast" (370) and fight, "the Father balance[s] his golden scales" (369) to determine one of the warrior's destiny. While one warrior is sure to die, the outcome is not known until the balance tips. Homer arranges these parallel events, which affect each other, in a well-understood sequence. This one event shown in two points of view, in suspended time, makes the reader aware of and able to understand the power and intervention of the gods.
             Time is vital. Things in life happen all within time. The time and sequence o
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