Henry Price gives insight into the Iliad

Oakham School’s latest staff-student seminar saw Headmaster Henry Price take his audience through a passage from the Iliad, giving an insight into the beauty and enduring power of the poetry of Homer’s epic poem.

Starting by holding up his own copy of the poem, which was battered and creased from years of re-reading, signs of his great passion for Homer, Henry first explained to the audience of staff and scholars the mythical context before focusing in on an incredibly moving part of book 6. Here, the Trojan hero Hector, fresh from the field of war, speaks with his wife Andromache and parts from her, knowing he must face the Greeks, and particularly the hero Achilles. Henry brought to life the emotion and power behind the timeless parting scene of man and wife, and the touching domestic scene with Hector and his son. He also brought out some of the majesty and beauty of the Greek poetry behind the translation.

Head of Classics Dr Will Leveritt said, “Henry really showcased the everlasting power of Homer, and built an emotional bridge between his audience and those Greek words written more than two and a half millennia ago.”

Form 6 pupil Lucas said: “It was an enlightening, passionate lecture, accessible even to the uninitiated.”

Fellow Sixth Former Freddie who is studying Classical Civilisation said, “Mr Price really brought the poem alive. I hope he does more talks.”

Held throughout the academic year as part of the School’s academic enrichment programme, Oakham’s staff-student seminar series provides an opportunity for different members of the teaching staff to share their passions and interests surrounding and beyond the subjects they teach with pupils and fellow staff.