Name: THE ILIAD STUDY GUIDE Take notes about each character and their actions in the epic – also refer to descriptions on p. 363. Label each character as “Greek” or “Trojan.” Even the gods will take sides. Peleus Achilles (aka “Pelides” and “Aeacides”) Achaeans/Danaans/ Argives Agamemnon (aka “Atrides”) Apollo (aka “Smintheus” and “Phoebus”) Zeus Chryseis Menelaus Priam Calchas (pg 366-367) Ajax Myrmidons Athena (aka “Pallas” and “Tritogenia”) Hera Hector Helen Clytemnestra Nestor Odysseus Patroclus Dardanians/Phrygians Andromache 1 Name: Astyanax (aka “Scamandrius”) Briseis Paris Aphrodite (aka “Lady of Cyprus”) Hades Hermes Thetis BOOK ONE (pp. 364 - 373) 1. As the Iliad begins, what problem confronts the Greeks? What is the cause of the problem and why is the problem of such importance to their soldiers and the campaign? 2. Agamemnon says that he will give up Chryseis for the sake of his people only if he receives a prize to replace her. What does Agamemnon’s insistence on having a prize imply about the values of Homeric warriors? 3. In what way does Agamemnon think Achilles is trying to “cheat” him? 4. Why does Agamemnon claim Briseis as his prize? 5. What is Athena’s role in the conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon? 6. Achilles states that “[i]f a man obeys the gods, they are quicker to hear his prayers.” What does this tell you about the relationship between men and immortals? 7. What conflicting feelings does Achilles experience as a result of his decision to withdraw from battle? What theme of the poem does this dilemma help convey? 8. How do you view Achilles at the end of Book 1? What are your first impressions of this hero? 2 Name: BOOK SIX (pp. 374 - 379) 1. Why did Andromache go to the gates of Troy? What was Hector’s reaction when he heard this news? How is Hector characterized from the very beginning? 2. What do Andromache’s comments about Hector’s importance in her life suggest about his own fate? 3. What prediction does Hector make about the future of Troy? 4. What does Hector believe is worse than the fall of Troy and death of many Trojans? 5. What favor does Hector ask of Zeus? 6. What outlook on life and death does Hector express at the end of Book 6? 7. The poet Homer was, first and foremost, a loyal Greek citizen. Why then did he paint such a tender, honorable picture of Hector, who was enemy to the Greeks? 8. Compare Hector’s treatment of his wife to Achilles and Agamemnons’ treatment of women in Book I. How are women viewed in this culture? Do they have any power? 9. What does the concept of Honor seem to mean in the Homeric world? Do you agree with this notion of honor? BOOK TWENTY -TWO (pp. 383 - 396) 1. What Homeric simile is used to describe Hector in the beginning of the book? How does this reveal his character/mentality at this point in the story? 2. Describe the epic simile that Homer uses when describing Achilles’ pursuit of Hector. 3 Name: 3. What does Athena do to aid Achilles? Does this supernatural intervention change the outcome of the situation? Does it change your view of Achilles? 4. What pact does Hector propose to Achilles when they meet face to face? What is Achilles’ response? What does this suggest about Achilles’ character/mentality at this point in the story? 5. What do Achilles’ words to the dying Hector reveal about his character? 6. What was Andromache doing while all of Troy was mourning Hector? How is this an example of situational or dramatic irony? BOOK TWENTY -FOUR (pp. 397-408) 1. How did Apollo come to Hector’s aid even after his death? 2. What does Zeus decide must ultimately happen to Hector’s body? 3. What does Achilles’ response to Priam reveal about his character? 4. What did Achilles have the women do to Hector’s body before he gave it back to Priam? Why did he have them perform these rites? 5. What three women mourn Hector’s death upon Priam’s return to Troy with his body? 6. Do you think Achilles behaves heroically in the Iliad ? Why or why not? SUMMARY OF THE STORY: 4 .