Iliad, Books XIX-XXI

More than any other section, Book XIX seems to celebrate the Greek and Trojan lifestyles. Hephastestus’ gorgeous armor features life with and without war. The armor seems to document a life cycle. Weddings and festivities are juxtaposed against a murder and bribery. Another scene shows a war; soldiers defend the liberties and freedoms of wives and children. Rich farmland and a king’s estate create a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, more peaceful time that probably never existed the way that it is represented. Vineyards and cattle abound; it’s a tranquil setting. The people are struck with joy and happiness flourishes. But Hephastestus’ picture does not seem realistic to me. The “good old days” never seem to exist the way they are remembered. Rose-colored glasses taint the memories and make them unreliable. In the last century, the good old days were colored with war, economic depression, civil unrest, and discrimination. But in many people’s memories, Mom had freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies waiting for children after school. Dad cheerfully mowed the lawn on Saturdays. The kids would play with the dog, ride bicycles, complete their homework without whining. At the end of a long day, the whole family would come together and watch television. Both pictures may be accurate to a degree, but not completely.