What literary genre is "The Iliad," written by Homer?

"The Iliad," authored by Homer, is classified as an epic poem due to its characteristics and structure. Epics are lengthy narratives that often explore grand themes such as heroism, the struggles of gods and mortals, and significant events that shape a culture or society.

In "The Iliad," the narrative revolves around the Trojan War and the Greek hero Achilles, highlighting themes of honor, glory, and the devastating effects of war. The poem is written in dactylic hexameter, which is a hallmark of epic poetry. Its grand scope, use of elevated language, and the focus on heroic characters and their journeys are all defining traits of the epic genre.

Contrasting with the other options, tragedy typically involves a dramatic narrative focusing on human suffering, often leading to a cathartic resolution, but "The Iliad" is not structured as a play. A novel represents a different format entirely, generally longer and more complex in narrative style, whereas "The Iliad" presents a more straightforward episodic structure. Similarly, a short story is brief and focused on a singular incident or theme, unlike the expansive narrative provided by an epic poem. These distinctions help affirm that "The Iliad" fits firmly within the epic poem