Caroline Alexander's translation of the Iliad stands out for its clear and accessible language, bringing the epic's power and complexity to a wider audience. Her version captures the essence of Homer's original Greek with a straightforward and direct prose style that makes the narrative and the lofty themes approachable without sacrificing the work's inherent gravity and eloquence. Unlike some more poetic translations, which can be flowery and ornate, Alexander's approach is grounded and unadorned, providing readers with a lucid and engaging rendition of the text. This style sets her translation apart, as she focuses on the story's raw emotions and the characters' humanity, as seen in her depiction of Achilles’ wrath and Diomedes' confrontation with divinity. Her translation appeals to those seeking a faithful and comprehensible interpretation of the Iliad's timeless tale of war, honor, and fate.
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.