In "The Western Canon: The Books and School of the Ages," Harold Bloom discusses the significant impact of Alexander Pope's translation of Homer's "Iliad" on the English language. Samuel Johnson praised Pope for his skillful rendering of the text, suggesting that it effectively refined and elevated the English tongue. This translation is noted not only for its literary quality but also for its role in shaping English poetry and prose. Bloom examines how Pope's work has influenced subsequent generations of writers and how it remains a vital part of the Western literary canon. The beauty of the language and the precision of Pope's verse are highlighted as contributing factors to its enduring relevance in the literary landscape.

In "The Western Canon: The Books and School of the Ages," Harold Bloom discusses the significant impact of Alexander Pope's translation of Homer's "Iliad" on the English language. Samuel Johnson praised Pope for his skillful rendering of the text, suggesting that it effectively refined and elevated the English tongue. This translation is noted not only for its literary quality but also for its role in shaping English poetry and prose.

Bloom examines how Pope's work has influenced subsequent generations of writers and how it remains a vital part of the Western literary canon. The beauty of the language and the precision of Pope's verse are highlighted as contributing factors to its enduring relevance in the literary landscape.