The Iliad by Homer

The Characterization of Helen in The Iliad

Often times , classical literature achieves its timeless , famous status through the integration of remarkable characters . Of course , the methods used to form such characters are usually quite complex , but not always so . For example , one might look at the character of Helen of Troy , from Homer 's great poem , The Iliad . Helen 's characterization in this story is actually done in quite simple ways , namely through simple depictions of what she does , what she says , and what others say about her . Despite that fact , however

, Helen is , and will likely continue to be , one of the most well-known literary characters of all time

To begin with , one might examine the fact that Helen is characterized by what she does . Needless to say , the first remarkable action that she really takes , and the action that creates a basis for the entire story is when she leaves her own country for Paris and launches the war . She does this , knowing full-well that absolute horror will ensue , and that Menelaus will not rest until he has vengeance . She does it , in fact probably despite the suspicion that she will someday be called things such as , the bane of Troy (Lib . II , ll . 46 . This goes quite a long way towards characterizing her . This concept leaves the image of a sort of love-struck , idealistic , dreamy girl who believes her blooming love to be all-important . In the scheme of things , of course , one with more perspective would perhaps question whether her and Paris ' actions are really only selfish , self-serving behavior which costs many men their lives . This , however , is a complex sort of characterization that is accomplished merely by the of one of Helen 's actions

In the same way , Helen is further characterized by what she says . This is true despite the fact that she has relatively little dialogue , and that what dialogue there is seems exceedingly formal and archaic to modern sensibilities . For instance , in her speech about Hector at the end of Library XXIV she says

Whom best I lov 'd of all my brother-laws

For you were so , since Paris married me

Though when I married him accurs 'd I was

Now twenty years `tis since I came to Troy

And never did an ill word from you hear

And when your kindred did ill of me say

You took my part , and made them to forbear (Library XXIV , ll . 730-736

This little speech , which Helen makes at the veritable end of the story goes a long way towards characterizing her more deeply than she is throughout the whole of the story preceding it . There is , for instance a bit of impetuous and childish blaming of others in the way that she says , Paris married me ' as if she had had no part in it or decision to make . There is also , though , a deep well of seemingly genuine feeling towards Hector . This contrast , so close together , really heightens the idea of Helen...