/lit/ - Literature

>>9436144
to say the metamorphosis is one thing or another is silly imo.

>is it a parable of the jewish question in post ww1 europe?
>is it symbolic of the dehumanizing nature of modernity and capitalism?
>is it a story about the effects of physical ugliness/deformation/wretchedness a la elephant man?
>is it just the natural effects of alienation?
>is it an exploration of the discord between physical and nonphysical traits? and how physical is absolutely more significant in society? is stephen hawking a gregor?

i think it's a story about a man who turned into a bug or something similarly awful. it's a very funny, tragic story, really a lot like the elephant man now that i think about it.

>>9434628
good post.

I would add that Achilles represents the ideal of the Greek warrior and the problematic nature inherent in it.

The attaining of kleos (greek for something like renown, eternal glory) is the ideal of the Greek warrior. This is achieved through combat prowess.

Achilles, in fulfilling this ideal, allows Homer to explore how problematic it is that this individualist, honor-based, warrior code really is.

He compares himself to a lion or wolf compared to Hector as sheep or man. This in being the ideal Greek hero he himself becomes something like an animal. He denies Hector's plea and thus becomes inhuman.

I don't think Homer necessarily glorifies or condemns war, but he definitely sees it as tragic. The kleos of one results from the death and shame of another. This is the tragedy of the Iliad, as everybody wilts under force of one kind or another.

>>7848630
very dope. thanks friend!