"Would Alexander, madman as he was, have been so much a madman, had it not been for Homer?"

In this quote, Samuel Richardson is questioning the influence of literature on people, particularly referencing the Greek conqueror Alexander the Great and the impressive poet Homer. He suggests that maybe Alexander's actions and behavior, which were frequently seen as erratic and unreasonable, were greatly affected by the stories and characters portrayed in Homer's works. Richardson positions the idea that without direct exposure to Homer's tales, Alexander may not have actually been perceived as a "madman." This quote highlights the power of literature to shape and effect individuals, and raises the question of just how much our actions and thoughts are influenced by the stories we consume.