Kubus English 4 Homer, Iliad, Books 22 and 24 Discussion Points
Book 22
In Book 22, Apollo and Achilles meet on the field of battle. Achilles advances against Apollo, and the god declares that he cannot be injured by Achilles, since he does not “hold his doom.” What does Apollo mean by this statement? Achilles responds by saying that he would kill Apollo if it was within his power. Why does he say this? How do these statements reflect the workings of fate in the Iliad?
Pay close attention to the descriptions of Achilles and Hector in Book 22. Note that Homer generally presents Achilles here through the eyes of others.
Compare and contrast the appeals to Hector by Priam and Hecuba in the opening section of Book 22. How do they differ and how are they similar? Does the order in which they appear make any difference to their content? How does what each says help to characterize him or her, and how does it help you to understand the character of Hector?
How do you feel about Hector, Achilles, and the other Achaeans during Hector's death and shortly after? Achilles' vengeance is now complete, but the book has shown us little of his thought and much of Hector's. The plot is now complete, and thus Achilles' continuing rage is stressed even more. Why is Achilles still angry?
Consider the lamentations of Priam and Hecuba. What does each say and how does that compare with the earlier appeal of each? Does what each says here cause you to change your mind in any way about your answer to the previous question?
Consider Andromache's lament. What does this passage contribute to the characterization of Andromache and to your understanding of her relationship with Hector?
Book 24
In Book 24, Priam journeys to Achilles’ camp to request that Hector’s body be returned to undergo proper funeral rites. Priam reminds Achilles that his own father, Peleus, must worry about him, and that he (Peleus) would want his son to experience a proper burial. Until this time, Achilles is adamant in not wanting to return Hector's body to the Trojans. He changes his mind after meeting with Priam. Does Achilles’ change of heart seem believable? Does Achilles’ impending death soften his stance regarding the return of Hector's body? Does Achilles feel sadness toward Priam for the death of his sons?
Book 24 consists of three type scenes: the divine visitation of Thetis to Achilles; the suppliant scene of Priam to Achilles; and the burial of Hector. Compare gods and humans in terms of emotions and morality in this book.
Why does Achilles surrender Hector? How do Priam and Achilles console one another and bring each other back to humanity? Do you think that Achilles has grown as an individual and learned wisdom about himself and the world, or is he the same Achilles as before?
Compare and contrast the lamentations of Andromache, Hecuba and Helen at the end of Book 24. Do you find out anything here about any of them that you didn’t know earlier?
Book 24 is one of the most profound and moving episodes in all of literature. In what ways is it cathartic?
Iliad Book Time Event Book One 1 + 9 + 1 days Supplication + Plague + Quarrel 12 days divine absence (inert time)
Books 2-7 Day 1 1st battle (7.475 night falls) Book 8 Day 2 2nd battle; Greeks beaten back Book 9 Night 2 Embassy, Doloneia (Hector warned) 3rd battle; the big one; mist changes tone at end Books 11-18 Day 3 17 Death of Sarpedon 18 Death of Patroclus Book 18 Night 3 Thetis and Achilles; shield 19: reconciliation with Agamemnon 20: Theomachia Books 19-22 Day 4 21: River 22: Death of Hector Book 23 Night 4 psyche of Patroclus visits Achilles Book 23 Day 5 Funeral Games Book 24 Night 5 Achilles sleepless 12 days Hector exposed, Priam visits Achilles at night
9 days mourning for Hector (inert time)
Hector buried