Homer dichotomizes the brutality of war against the peacefulness of family in The Iliad. As Book 6 opens, Homer states that the Greek and Trojan armies “spread like hemorrhage across the plain” (Homer 69). The Trojans are so brutal, that the Greek armies pull back because it seems as if “Some god had come from the starry sky/ To help the Trojans” (Homer 69). Utilizing these similes, Homer makes it clear that the war is bloody and violent. Later in Book 6, Homer’s tone shifts to dichotomize the previous brutality with the peacefulness of family. When returning home, Hector is greeted by the families of his fellow soldiers who beg and weep for him to tell them about their brothers and fathers (Homer 73). This shift in tone indicates the value
