Ancient Epic and Tragedy: Iliad - Book Report/Review Example

Laments were not only used to express sorrow alone but often became a vehicle for blaming and expressing anger as well. The feelings of anger and blame can be noticed in the laments under discussion.In book 6, Hektor is preparing to return to Troy but decides to visit his wife Andromache first who is nursing their son. The young bride begs Hektor not to leave her and their son. In a long tearful speech, she expresses her fear of abandonmentLaments follow a specific structure and are usually three-tiered.

Margaret Alexiou in her book The Ritual Lament in the Greek Tradition feels that laments were composed of three parts. She finds the laments in Iliad conforming to that structure. Laments were usually sung at funerals fatter the death of a beloved as we see in the case of Briseis in Book 19. But in Andromache's case, the lament is sung before Hektor's departure. This is a sign of bad luck since it foreshadows death. "They lamented Hektor in his own home, although he was still alive. (Iliad 6.499-500)" Hektor's wife is mourning something that has not happened yet in an attempt to warn her husband of possible consequences of his return to Troy.

Similarly, we notice another lament at the time of Patroclus' death. But show some pity and stay here by the tower,Don't make your child an orphan, your wife a widow. (Iliad page 124)Similarly, we notice another lament at the time of Patroclus' death. In almost the same manner and using the same devices, Briseis mourns the death of her beloved husband and curses her fate to invoke sympathy. "My poor Patroclus. You were so dear to me.When I left this hut you were alive,And now I find you, the army's leader, deadWhen I come back.

So it is for me always,Evil upon evil. (Book 19, page 382)  But you wouldn't let me cry when AchillesKilled my husband and destroyed Mynes' city, Wouldn't let me cry. (Iliad 19. page 382-383) In this lament as well as in Andromaches', there are some common features. Apart from expressing loss, the women also try to evoke sympathy in the audience by mourning the deaths of others in the family such as their brothers and fathers. This was a way of saying that everyone had abandoned them and this was a common way of evoking sympathy and attracting the public to woman's woes.