Analysis of evidence to draw conclusions

Gathering Evidence from The Iliad

One of the initial steps in any analysis process involves the careful collection of evidence from the text. This includes noting key events, characters, speeches, themes, similes, vocabulary, and syntax.
Pay special attention to repeating patterns and motifs. In The Iliad, these could be recurring character descriptions, actions, events, or epic similes.
Keep track of the different internal voices in the text, like characters themselves, the narrator, or the implied author, and note any differences or contradictions between these perspectives.
Also consider contextual evidence. This could include knowledge of Homeric society, the Trojan War, the honour-shame culture, and the epic genre.

After gathering evidence, organise it in a clear and logical way. You could group your evidence by theme, character, specific event or episode, or by literary devices like similes or formulae.
Interpret the evidence by considering what it tells you about the story, its characters, its themes, the society and culture it represents, or the intentions of the author. For example, consider what Achilles’ wrath suggests about the concept of kleos or eternal fame, or how the epic similes reflect Homeric assumptions about the natural and domestic world.

Drawing conclusions refers to the process of developing insights based on the evidence and interpretation. Rather than factual statements, conclusions are often more general inferences or suggestions about possible meanings of the text.
It’s essential to ensure your conclusions are supported by the evidence you’ve collected. A conclusion without solid evidence may seem unfounded or speculative.
Your conclusions should aim to deepen your understanding of The Iliad, including its themes, characters, values, and its impact as an epic poem. You may form conclusions about the nature of heroism, the destructiveness of war, the role of the gods, or the values of the Homeric society.

Strong conclusions are usually open to revision. New evidence, re-interpretation of existing evidence, or different perspectives may alter your conclusions. Always stay open to the idea that your understanding and conclusions can evolve and deepen over time.
Remember, analysis is an iterative and open-ended process. Keep questioning, keep revisiting your notes and conclusions, and be prepared to incorporate new insights and knowledge into your thought process.
The ultimate goal is to develop a well-rounded and nuanced understanding of Homer’s Iliad, its messages, and its value as a piece of epic literature.