Whether or not they had already read portions of the Iliad at Middlesex, students benefited from a scholarly explanation of the work – its origin, evolution, and significance – thanks to Professor Joel Christensen, whose visit on January 5 was made possible by the Mudge Family Fund for the enrichment of the classics. A professor of classical and early Mediterranean studies at Brandeis University, Professor Christensen noted that while the ancient Greek epic poem is attributed to Homer, its true source remains “a bit of a mystery.” Most likely, he said, the Iliad developed through the oral tradition of storytelling, with its performance changing over centuries in response to political and cultural influences.
Even the oldest, complete written version of the epic – the Venetus A manuscript – contains not only lines of the text but also several sets of comments and notations, providing “a history of people reading the Iliad,” Professor Christensen said. Clearly, its stories have engaged readers for centuries, perhaps influencing their reflections, understanding, and behavior – as great literature can. Still, some may wonder, “Why continue to read such an ancient work today?” After reviewing the specific narratives of just one of its 24 books, Professor Christensen concluded, “Read book 6 and then read the news today. The Iliad hasn’t lost relevance; it’s gained it. The epic remains a kind of complex dialogue for understanding others, the self, and the world.”