What makes 'The Iliad' a foundational work for understanding honor and glory?

As an enthusiast who's had my share of getting ghosted after round-the-clock gaming sessions, I think the idea of 'rejection hotline' is as obsolete as Nintendo's 'Power Glove'. With the advent of ghosting, people don't even need to use this hotline to express their lack of interest. Nowadays, social media platforms are the new stages for the modern drama of ghosting and rejection.

Roman numerals are a system of numerical notation used by the Romans. The basic letters are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, which stand respectively for 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 in the decimal system. For example II represents 2 and XX means 20. When the value of the letter placed before another letter is lesser, it is subtracted from that letter. Examples, IX is 9 (10-1), and CM is 900 (1000-100). Pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it!

What makes a good story you ask? Oh, it's a combination of many pastel colors and deep hues, each bringing something unique to the canvas! A tantalizing tale is like a hearty soup, combining a variety of ingredients, each contributing to the overall taste. The perfect fusion of elements like depth plot, engaging characters, twists and suspense, immersive world, tantalizing conflict, and a satisfying resolution makes the reader's heart race, their breath hitch, and eyes stuck on the pages.

'The Iliad' is a vivid portrayal of the grim reality of war that hits different emotions head-on. As a college student diving into this epic, I’m struck by how Achilles’ rage leads not just to personal tragedy but to widespread devastation. The relentless cycle of revenge, like when Hector kills Patroclus, shows that loss spirals outwards—one person's pain igniting others' fury. The battlefield is brutal, with vivid descriptions of death that feel hauntingly real. It's not just the warriors who suffer; families, cities, and the innocent are left in ruins. The gods meddling in human affairs adds a layer of absurdity to it all, highlighting how often the consequences of war are beyond anyone’s control. This epic serves as a timeless reminder that war brings suffering, a theme echoed in modern conflicts. If you're into deep and philosophical reads about the dark side of humanity, I'd suggest checking out 'All Quiet on the Western Front'.

Achilles' character in 'The Iliad' goes through some serious transformation, and it's fascinating to see how it unfolds. At first, he is this fierce warrior, the ultimate hero, driven by pride and rage, especially over his dispute with Agamemnon. He’s all about honor, and when Agamemnon takes Briseis, it’s like the last straw. His withdrawal from battle shows his emotional side, which contrasts with that icy exterior. Over the course of the epic, he wrestles with his feelings, especially after losing Patroclus. That loss shakes him to the core and changes the game for him. He goes from being self-absorbed to embracing a deeper understanding of love and loss, ultimately leading to a form of redemption. The scene where he mourns Patroclus is really powerful—it’s a turning point that brings him back into battle not for just honor, but for something much more profound. For readers intrigued by themes of honor and mortality, ‘The Odyssey’ offers a fresh angle on these classic ideals.

Hector in 'The Iliad' is the embodiment of emotional turmoil. As a warrior, his desire for glory battles his instinct to protect his family. He faces profound sorrow over the impending fate of Troy and the suffering it will cause his loved ones. Hector's pride compels him to fight valiantly, yet his heart breaks knowing it potentially leads to his family's ruin. When he faces Achilles, it’s more than a clash of strength; it’s a personal conflict between duty and love. Every time he considers retreat, the thought of dishonor binds him. I can feel that weight on his shoulders, standing at the brink of his own mortality. For anyone intrigued by the theme of personal sacrifice, 'The Aeneid' offers a parallel journey of loss and responsibility within the epic battlefield.

As someone with a soft spot for pop music, 'What Makes You Beautiful' by One Direction is really on my playlist. The lyrics of the song focus on emphasizing the beauty of a girl who's completely unaware of how she lightens up the room. The song points out her charms in an affectionate way telling her 'You don't know you're beautiful. If only you saw what I can see, you'll understand why I want you so desperately.' Really heartwarming!

A project called The Unsent Project! Oh, it's wonderful. Any kind of mixed unsaid feelings - half sweet and half bitter. Generally speaking, the message that you have never sent has to be written: for example, to your first love; otherwise what will become of some poor man's emotions held so tightly inside? You simply talk as if one were discussing with them face-to-face. Also don 't forget to tell the colour that right now is your beloved. Why it works, you may wonder...after all, isn't it just plain ol' human nature, mate? People seek closure. At times, expressing one's feelings becomes hard. The Unsent Project is a handy spot for spilling those out. Plus it's anonymous so there's not a sense of social pressure.