An analysis of the configuration of the collectiveness in the λαοί of The Iliad and The Taking of Ilios

Abstract

This article proposes an analysis of the configuration of the collectiveness in the actions performed by the λαοί. Some collective similes from The Iliad and The Taking of Ilios will be compared in order to study their vehicles and tenors.  They allow the Achaean side to be seen as a homogeneous group of warriors. These characteristics will be analysed on the basis of the similes' thematic, syntactic and structural content. Although the configuration of the collectiveness in the λαοί of each work is not analogous, it is to be expected that the analysis illustrates how the collectiveness is configured as a group of unified warriors at critical moments of the war.