# Dwayne Betts on the Iliad Poet Dwayne Betts explores the depths of the Iliad and its reflections in modern life. - **Source:** [EconTalk](https://brifing.si/source/5573a105-5347-442f-ae01-f197a327c8fd) - **Published:** 2026-07-20 - **Topic:** [Career Growth](https://brifing.si/c/growth) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9166f4d1-86d0-4d02-b27a-1a2ac4d76910 ## Introduction Dwayne Betts joins the second installment of the EconTalk Book Club on the Iliad. The poet and author shares his profound literary experience of reading Homer's epic for the first time. ## Reading Experience Betts recounts reading the Iliad intensely over three days, a process that reminded him of his youthful reading experiences. This immersion offered a rare depth in modern life. ## Personal Connections We learn how the Iliad touched Betts's personal life. Reading this text during a friend's passing provided him with comfort and meaning during a difficult time. ## Power of Literature Betts emphasizes how connecting with an ancient text like the Iliad demonstrates the timeless impact of stories. This experience reaffirms literature's role in making sense of life. ## Book Club Dynamics Reading the Iliad with Russ Roberts created a shared discovery process, showcasing how book club formats can enhance learning and reflection. ## Translation and Accessibility The discussion covers different translations of the Iliad and how to make this epic poem accessible to modern readers. Betts shares the impact of the Fagles translation on his experience. ## Core of the Story The conversation reminds us that the Iliad focuses not on the entire Trojan War but on Achilles's conflict with Agamemnon, highlighting how the epic centers human struggles. ## Character Analysis Achilles's rage and desire for revenge reflect emotional complexities that remain universal even for modern readers. Betts interprets this character's tragic flaw in the narrative. ## Mythology and Reality The discussion examines how the Iliad balances mythological elements with human realities. Betts evaluates the dimensions added by divine interventions in the story. ## Modern Reflections Betts considers how themes from the Iliad resonate in today's world, particularly sharing thoughts on modern versions of the pursuit of glory. ## Importance of Literary Discovery Betts highlights the value of discovering foundational texts like the Iliad in adulthood, explaining how such experiences offer opportunities for personal growth and intellectual curiosity. ## Conclusion Dwayne Betts's experience with the Iliad reminds us of literature's timeless power and potential for personal transformation. This conversation reveals the enduring value of connecting with classical texts in modern life. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.econtalk.org/dwayne-betts-on-the-iliad/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._