Caroline Alexander's and Robert Graves's translations of Homer's *Iliad* present the epic in distinct styles that reflect their individual approaches to the ancient text. Alexander's translation is noted for its commitment to clear and precise language, seeking to capture the starkness and grandeur of the original Greek while maintaining accessibility for modern readers. For example, in her translation of Book 1, she emphasizes the "ruinous wrath" of Achilles with a straightforward narrative flow that highlights the tragic unraveling of events. Her rendition of Homer’s famous simile in Book 6, comparing the life cycle of leaves to generations of men, maintains a poetic yet simple parallel that is easy to follow: "As a generation of leaves, so is the generation of men." In contrast, Robert Graves's translation leans into a more lyrical and poetic style, often utilizing rhyme and meter reminiscent of the epic's oral traditions. His version of the Book 1 introduction, for instance, uses rhyming couplets and an invocation to the "Mountain Goddess" to evoke a sense of ancient storytelling. Graves's treatment of the leaves simile in Book 6 is more elaborate, emphasizing the transience of life with a rhythm that enhances the imagery: "All forest leaves are born to die; / All mortal men the same." This approach creates a musicality that appeals to readers who appreciate a more traditional, poetic form. Although both translators aim to honor the original narrative, their differing styles offer readers varied experiences of the timeless epic.
Wrath—sing, goddess, of the ruinous wrath of Peleus' son Achilles,
that inflicted woes without number upon the Achaeans,
hurled forth to Hades many strong souls of warriors
and rendered their bodies prey for the dogs,
for all birds, and the will of Zeus was accomplished;
sing from when they two first stood in conflict—
Atreus' son, lord of men, and godlike Achilles.
Sing, Mountain Goddess, sing through me
That anger which most ruinously
Inflamed Achilles, Peleus' son,
And which, before the tale was done,
Had glutted Hell with champions—bold,
Stern spirits by the thousandfold;
Ravens and dogs their corpses ate
For thus did Zeus, who watched their fate,
See his resolve, first taken when
Proud Agamemnon, King of men,
An insult on Achilles cast,
Achieve accomplishment at last.