... men and brilliant Achilles." This invocation of the muse is most important because it states the theme of the Iliad. (Achilles" rage and the unfortunate consequences) A formulaic style that Homer thrusts within the Iliad for character comparison is the epic simile. An epic simile, or Homeric simile, is an extended comparison beginning with "like" or "as" that continues at such length that a reader's attention ... can be drawn from the narrative for a time. (www2.bc.edu/~duket/simile.html) Homer uses these constructions quite commonly in the Iliad because there are dozens of ... them. R...

• Word Count: 1033
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School