Nature and Culture in the Iliad: The Tragedy of Hector

By James M. Redfield

Book Overview

By focusing on the story of Hector, James M. Redfield presents an imaginative perspective not only on the Iliad but also on the whole of Homeric culture. In an expansive discussion informed by a reinterpretation of Aristotle's Poetics and a reflection on the human meaning of narrative art, the analysis of Hector leads to an inquiry into the fundamental features of Homeric culture and of culture generally in its relation to nature. Through Hector, as the "true tragic hero of the poem," the events and themes of the Iliad are understood and the function of tragedy within culture is examined. Redfield's work represents a significant application of anthropological perspectives to Homeric poetry. Originally published in 1975 (University of Chicago Press), this revised edition includes a new preface and concluding chapter by the author.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0822314223
• ISBN13: 9780822314226
• Release Date: March 1994
• Publisher: Duke University Press
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

A Must Read!

Hands down, one of the best books on the Homeric hero and The Iliad currently available. The expanded edition is a much appreciated update to a classic work of literary criticism. Clearly written!

he got it right

I found much to disagree about when I read this book, but the conflict it posed was part of what made it such a great read (its often boring to read an author you completely agree with). Of all the commentaries on the Iliad I've seen, this is the one that gets the central point right. Most people focus their critic of the Iliad by assuming it is the story of Achilles. In fact, it isn't, there is another, perhaps more powerful, story lurking; in the finest tradition of Shakespearean drama the Iliad is fundamentally the tragedy of Hector. It is this duality which makes the Iliad one of the great books in human history and nature and culture is one of the few books that, in addition to providing some informative background on homeric culture, stresses this point.