This paper discusses the book "Achilles in Vietnam" (Jonathan Shay) in relation to Homer's "Iliad" and the need for society to accept the consequences of veterans' experiences. Classical allusions to the epic are incorporated into the study and U.S. experience of the Vietnam War. The paper advocates student "ownership" of literature study and permitting students to "humanize" the text by allowing and legitimatizing diverse interpretations. The paper maintains that only by such humanizing attempts can the humanities be made relevant to students' lives. (EH)