| This dissertation examines an event that lies outside the dramatic time of the Iliad, the death of Achilles. At first the relation between Homer and his tradition is discussed, with particular focus on the poems of the epic cycle. I propose that Homer was not greatly influential in the Archaic Age, whereas a "cyclic" tradition was then dominant. It is then argued that a traditional story underlies the Iliad's frequent references to Achilles' death and that this story can be reconstructed from the evidence of art and literature. Finally, I indicate how Homer indirectly narrated the death of Achilles within the Iliad.;In one sense the title of the dissertation refers to the manner in which the topic of Achilles' fate is repeatedly discussed throughout the Iliad, with certain poetic effects resulting. This study explores more extensively, however, the primary sense of the title: how Homer represents the death of Achilles through Patroclus and Achilles. As part of Homer's indirect yet masterful narration of extra-Iliadic events, the actions of Achilles mirror the circumstances of his future death and the actions of Patroclus especially reflect them. A school of thought known as neo-analysis has often explored these parallels, and a thorough examination of its theories precedes the conclusions that I reach.;A final chapter focuses on the myth of Achilles' heel. It is often suggested that this story was known in the Archaic Age, perhaps even by Homer. I argue that the evidence we possess does not support this interpretation. However, early Greek myth does seem to indicate that there was something remarkable about the wounding of Achilles. The possible nature of this story is explored.;Through examination of these issues the dissertation demonstrates that Homer knew traditional myth and that this myth can often be recovered through close examination of early art and the poems of the epic cycle. Furthermore, it is suggested that Homer knew a traditional story about the death of Achilles and represented it within the Iliad in order to broaden the temporal scope of the poem. |
