Many scholars believe that one of the most important aspects of the epic poem, the Iliad has on the human race is the concept of the heroic ideal. In this critical essay, the author's view of an ideal hero is a person who struggles relentlessly against the workings of fate, even if the character must rise above fragile and vulgar aspects of human nature. The main character in this epic poem, Achilles, is the only character who is shown to exhibit this heroic image. Even though his journey is full of ignorance, sorrow, and vengeance he is the only character to possess such depth.
             The author's specific focus about the Iliad is that this heroic image is displayed when the hero uses his superior qualities at all times to succeed and gain recognition, for these two are rewards of his manhood. The author Michael Grant makes it clear that the character's goal is honor and glory is the driving force. As one Greek theologian put it: heroes were half-way between the Gods and mortals. They were more powerful than a human but less than a God. The essay focuses, particularly on the characters' struggle. For the character to rise above his own nature,e he must first fall into what seems to be an endless decline. When reading the Iliad, one might find that many people today such as athletes, celebrities, or models try to portray this heroic image but as the author explains, "Epic heroes carry us with them in their struggles and sufferings; they are not as we are, yet we follow after them. And so when they suffer or exult, so do we..." (92).
             While reading this essay, the reader will find several different things that may interest them. For example when the author chooses to talk about Homer's love for war. What interests me was the author's choice of words when talking about the battles inside the poem. Instead of calling it a war or battle he chooses to call it a Glorious Bloodbath. In his essay, he states "Large stretches of the Iliad have ...