sign in sign up
<<
Home , Priam

EPITHET PRACTICE

DIRECTIONS: Using the list of characters from the , try to match the character to the descriptive epithet completing the chart below

EPITHET CHARACTER EPITHET CHARACTER

old, Dardanian great-hearted, noble

swift-footed, lion-hearted Argive, fair-haired

laughter-loving, golden red-haired, spear-famed

grey-eyed, driver of the violent, manslaughtering spoil

Alexandros, woman-mad gigantic, swift

wide-ruling, lord of men Tydides, tamer of horses

earth-shaking, earth-encircling silver-footed

sweet-spoken, Gerenian wide-seeing, cloud-gathering horseman

Phoebus, of the silver bow ox-eyed, white-armed

Interactive game can be accessed at: www.sporcle.com/games/AdamBishop/EpithetsIliad

PART II. DIRECTIONS: Find three lines from the Iliad containing an epithet. Include the Book and Line number

EX. 1: ______

EX. 2: ______

EX. 3: ______

Introduction to the

The Tradition of the Dactylic Hexameter: Before plunging into the technical details, a few introductory words are in order. Greek and Latin poems follow certain rhythmic schemes, or meters , which are sometimes highly defined and very strict, sometimes less so. Epic poetry from on was recit ed in a particular meter called the dactylic hexameter .

Dactylic Hexameter Means: A dactyl is a finger . Look how there is a long part followed by two short parts on an average finger. Ironically, the word dactyl is being used to describe a poetic ‘foot ’ which is an arrangement of a long syllable (noted as ), followed by two short syllables ( ) (or, a long syllable followed by another long syllable…but please read on). Each line of dactylic (fingerlike) hexameter (measured into 6) consists of 6 ‘feet’ as you can see in the illustration below. Each foot will be either a dactyl (long-short -short) or a spondee (long-long). The poet will mix and match these two options throughout the 6 feet in a line of dactylic hexameter for rhythmic effect but keep readi ng: there are a few more rules to learn before you start:

1. The last foot (the anceps) always consists of two syllables so mark it so immediately . You can regard the very last syllable as an unknown vowel length and mark it as an X (it will normally be pronounced long no matter what) 2. The second to last foot is almost always a dactyl so mark it so immediately 3. The first syllable of every line of poetry is long no -matter-what so mark it so immediately . 4. The thesis (first syllable) of a foot is alway s long 5. The arsis (the second half) of a foot will either be one long or two shorts: there can be no mixing and matching in the second half of the foot.

Figure B. Idealized hexameter verse.

DIRECTIONS : Here are three lines of dactylic hexameter poetry by Charles Kingsley. Scan each line using the marks as explained above:

Teacher of wisdom to heroes, bestower of might in the battle;

Share not the cunning of , nor list to the songs of ,

Fe aring the stars of the sky, and the roll of the blue salt water.

COMPARING EPIC SIMILES

DIRECTIONS : Complete the chart to compare and contrast the epic simile describing in Book 22, lines 59 -64, with the one describing in lines 258-261. Then complete the TYPE 2 WRITING prompt.

ACHILLES HECTOR

SIMILARITIES

TYPE 2 WRITING PROMPT: In what way do the similarities and differences between these 2 similes reflect the qualities of each warrior? Provide 2-3 reasons in support.

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______Iliad – Character Crossword

Character List: • Achilles • • • • Apollo •

•

• Chryses

• Hector • • Helen • Hera • • • • • Priam

• Thetis

•

ACROSS DOWN 1 Queen of 2 Great warrior who leads the Myrmidons 3 Priest of Apollo who begs Agamemnon

for his daughter’s return 4 Wife of Hector and princess of Troy 5 Elderly king of Troy 7 Prince of Troy and leader of Trojan forces 6 Goddess of war, wisdom, and crafts;

supports 8 Elder statesman and advisor for Achaeans 9 Seer and prophet 10 Goddess of love, mainly physical 11 Queen of gods; goddess of childbirth attraction and the resulting lust; and marriage; supports Achaeans supports Trojans 13 Friend (lover?) of Achilles 12 The god of archery, prophecy, music, 14 In overall command of Achaean forces the sun, and youth; sent plague on 17 King of Sparta and husband to Helen Achaean army 18 Sea nymph, goddess, and mother of 15 Prince of Troy who abducted Helen

Achilles 16 Wife of Menelaus; abducted by Paris 19 King of gods; god of sky, thunder,

storm TYPE 3 WRITING PROMPT: Discuss the ancient Greek culture, analyzing how Homer’s characters of the Iliad , Achilles, Agamemnon, and Hector, reflect their values, meeting the following FCA’S:

FCA #1: Include an introductory paragraph using the IPA approach and following the 3 rules to the claim (thesis) statement that contains the Author, Title , and Statement of analysis (A.T.S) (35 PTS)

FCA #2: Textual evidence, 3-4 quotes, from the Iliad displaying a value of ancient Greek culture in the character (45 PTS)

FCA #3 : Use 2-3 epithets in the context of your essay, underlining each …………. (20 PTS)

Inverted Pyramid Approach

A broad focus to open

Intro. leads or funnels

the reader to the focus of the essay

Clearly stated, focused Thesis Statement (What are you claiming?)

Three Rules of the Thesis Statement (the Claim) 1. Should be the last sentence of your introductory paragraph 2. Don’t add useless words to the thesis, just make a statement ex. ( I think…, My paper will…, The paper will prove…, ) 3. It should remain flexible until the end of the writing process

** see graphic organizer on next page **

TYPE 3 WRITING GRAPHIC ORGANIZER FOR THE ILIAD

GREEK ANCIENT CULTURE 1. Physical Bravery & Skill

AGAMEMNON HECTOR 2. Intelligence & Honor

3. Reverence for the Gods

MEANING MEANING

ACHILLES

MEANING