Becoming Achilles

Discover the profound connections between psychology and ancient literature in Richard Holway's insightful book, Becoming Achilles: Child-Sacrifice, War, and Misrule in the Iliad and Beyond. Published in 2011, this 270-page exploration delves into the depths of the Iliad, exposing how this epic serves as a lens for understanding individual and collective experiences of catharsis and denial. Holway expertly examines the themes of sacrificial childrearing, showcasing its dual role in shaping the glory-seeking culture of ancient Greece while posing significant threats to its very foundation. By drawing parallels between modern psychological concepts and the narratives of the Iliad, he illustrates how the epic dramatizes cultural anxieties in a way that remains relevant today. Ideal for readers interested in Greek epic poetry, history, and the psychological dimensions of literature, Becoming Achilles invites you to reconsider the legacy of ancient myths in contemporary society.