Simone Weil's intellectual legacy began reaching a wider audience primarily in the decade and a half following World War II. This was a period marked by the publication of her books, journals, and essays, which brought her profound thoughts to the forefront. Among these works, her essay on The Iliad stood out significantly. Mary McCarthy's translation of Weil's interpretation was published in the November 1945 issue of Politics, and it has been reprinted numerous times, serving as an entry point for many into Weil's unique perspective.

Critics and scholars often categorize Weil's analysis of Homer’s epic as a rare foray into literary criticism by a thinker better known for her contributions to political philosophy and spirituality. Her reading of The Iliad as a reflection of her political views, particularly her somber insights into human nature and the futility of war, marks the work as an intertextual bridge linking literature and philosophy. In the grim context of World War II, Weil perceived Homer’s Iliad as a clear, albeit brutal, reflection of the human condition, aligning with her broader philosophical outlook.

Interestingly, Weil's essay has garnered significant attention from Homer enthusiasts, despite many of them being less familiar with her broader body of work. Her interpretation captivates readers with its passionate critique and poignant clarity, challenging the conventional enjoyment often associated with the epic's depictions of heroism. Traditionally, the Iliad has been viewed through a lens that celebrates martial valor, assuming the original audience found gratification in the vivid portrayals of battle and triumph. However, Weil contests this perspective, offering a stark reinterpretation that invites readers to reconsider the narrative's essence. Even those who might not fully embrace her vision of Homer are driven to reassess the text more thoughtfully, a testament to the compelling nature of her argument.

Weil's essay, while devoid of the technical complexities typical of academic scholarship, has nonetheless earned respect from classical scholars. Colin Macleod, a distinguished Oxford classicist, praised her work, stating, "I know of no better brief account of the Iliad than this." Such endorsements underscore the essay’s impact, signaling that Weil's insights transcend the boundaries of traditional classical scholarship, offering a fresh, critical lens through which to view a timeless epic.