The Iliad -- Study Guide #1 -- Ancient Studies – Tuttle/Rogers
Student Name: _____________________
Ancient Studies – Assignment Bulletin - Unit 1: The Iliad – Homer
#
Due Date
Iliad Book: Lines
Pages
#1
T
9/6
Book 1: 1-317
1-10
#2
#3
W*
W*
W*
9/7
9/7
9/7
Book 1: 318-643
Book 2: 1-54, 226-300
Book 3: 1-261
10-19
20-23
28-35
#4
S
9/10
Book 3: 262-487
Book 6: 328-558
35-42
49-56
#5
M
9/12
Book 9: 186-443, 642-737
Book 16: 1-107
56-63, 68-71
79-82
#6
T
9/13
Book 16: 455-906
90-101
#7
#8
W*
W*
W*
9/14
9/14
9/14
Book 18: 1-259
Book 19: 1-87
Book 22: 1-250
101-109
114-116
122-129
#9
F
9/16
Book 22: 251-575
129-138
#10
T
9/20
Book 24: 497-860
147-157
#11
#12
W*
W*
9/21
9/21
Discussion & Quiz in First Class
Prep for Paper in Second Class
#13
S
9/24
PAPER DUE AT END OF SECOND CLASS
Paper Topic: Evaluate the character of Achilles. In your judgment, does Achilles act nobly and
honorably, or selfishly and dishonorably? Does Achilles provide us with a positive model for a
good life? In addressing this topic, consider both the words and actions (or inaction) of Achilles.
Structure of the Paper: In this classic “five paragraph essay,” you should discuss Achilles’
interactions with any three (3) of the following figures from the Trojan War. You may choose to
focus on Achilles’ own actions in these encounters, or you may compare and contrast Achilles
with the other figure. Whatever your approach, you should devote a full body paragraph to each
of your three episodes. In every instance, you should explain what we learn about Achilles in the
encounter, and assess whether he acts admirably or not.
Agamemnon
Hector
Patroclus
Priam
Odysseus
Common Greek soldiers
The Iliad -- Study Guide #1 -- Ancient Studies – Tuttle/Rogers
Assignment #1
Book 1: 1-317 (pages 1-10)
In one sentence, explain the essence of the story of The Iliad, as stated in the first 8 lines (proem)
of the poem. (book1.lines1-8)
Why is the Greek camp suffering from a plague? (1.11-16)
Who is Chryses, and what does he want? (1.14-29)
What is the basis of the feud between Achilles and Agamemnon? (1.124-197)
Achilles becomes so angry that he is ready to kill Agamemnon. Who intervenes? What is this
figure’s advice? (1.205-224)
According to Nestor, who will be hurt the most, and who will benefit from the fighting between
Achilles and Agamemnon? (1.269-273)
What threat does Achilles level against Agamemnon? (1.308-317)
Questions to Consider:
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What causes anger in our own lives? And what consequences can follow as a result?
Is Hera redirecting Achilles from the course he would take on his own? Or do the gods
simply incline us toward the actions where our own nature would lead us anyway? How
independent are we really?
Where do our sympathies lie when Achilles is ready to kill Agamemnon? Should he do
it? Or would Achilles just be taking his treasonous insubordination to the extreme?
How did it come to this? Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Are they both petty and petulant?
Or do they both have good arguments on their side? What is really at stake in this feud?
And who will suffer as a result?
Have we experienced quarrels in our own lives that echo this argument in any way?
What provokes own rage? And can we ever control it? Do we admire either man for
sticking my his principles? Or do we reject their examples as selfish and destructive?
The Iliad -- Study Guide #1 -- Ancient Studies – Tuttle/Rogers
Assignment #2
Book 1: 318-643 (pages 10-19)
Achilles is feeling very sorry for himself. He feels that he has been cheated. He knows that he is
destined for a short life. What was he supposed to get from Zeus as a trade-off? (1.362-369)
How would you describe Achilles’ relationship with his mother, Thetis? (1.371-377)
What does Achilles want Zeus to do to make the Greeks “appreciate” him? (1.425-431)
Why is Zeus reluctant to help? What does he fear? (1.549-559)
What can you say about the Greek conception of gods and their relationships? How are they
similar to and different from mortals and their relationships? (1.549-643)
Questions to Consider:
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How do we feel about Achilles’ honor relative to the lives of others he is willing to
sacrifice? Why does he not wish for Agamemnon alone to suffer? Is Achilles now any
different than Agamemnon, who earlier had caused the deaths of many Greeks because
he was unwilling to give Chryseis back to her father? Is he a hypocrite in this core wish?
The Iliad -- Study Guide #1 -- Ancient Studies – Tuttle/Rogers
Assignment #3
Book 2: 1-54, 226-300 (pages 20-23)
Book 3: 1-261 (pages 28-35)
What plan does Zeus form to honor Achilles and hurt the Greeks? (2.3-11)
Achilles “hates” Thersites, because he is ugly and is always provoking the nobles. The two are,
however, in agreement about the war. How are they in agreement? (2.240-261)
How does Odysseus respond to Thersites’ argument? (2.266-285)
What is Hector’s opinion of his brother Paris? What is Paris’ response? (3.45-79)
What is Paris’ proposal for settling the conflict? How do the Greek and Trojan troops feel about
this proposal? (3.71-117)
Priam reassures Helen that she is not to blame for the war. Who does he say is responsible?
(3.170-177)
How does Helen describe Odysseus? (3.214-217)
Questions to Consider:
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Consider our understanding of dreams – do they come from within us, or are they sent
from without? Or is it really a combination of both? Does Agamemnon’s own pride and
arrogance mislead him?]
The class bias is striking the Thersites episode: the nobles are both wise and beautiful,
while the common man is ugly and foolish. How much do we associate appearance with
other qualities in our society today?
Do you agree with Thersites that is it not right for a commander to lead his troops into
trouble? Are there circumstances when doing so is appropriate?
How would we respond if anyone spoke like Odysseus at Asheville School? Could a
teacher speak this way about a student who questioned something Mr. Montgomery did?
Helen consistently is hard on herself, often calling herself a “bitch” – Why does she do
this? – Do we agree that she is to blame? Is she really at fault for inciting this war? Or is
her fate determined by the gods, beyond her control?]
The Iliad -- Study Guide #1 -- Ancient Studies – Tuttle/Rogers
Assignment #4
Book 3: 262-487 (pages 35-42)
Book 6: 328-558 (pages 49-56)
Menelaus is a superior fighter to Paris, yet he is unable to take him down. Why? (3.370-409)
What do Helen and Aphrodite argue about? (3.427-445)
What is Helen’s opinion of herself? (6.360-376)
What does Andromache mean when she says, “Hector, you are my father, you are my mother, /
You are my brother and my blossoming husband.” (6.451-452). What is she afraid of? (6.427461)
What is Asytanax’ reaction when his father reaches to embrace him before he leaves for battle?
(6.491-500)
Questions to Consider:
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What do we think of Helen after her scene in Book 3? Is she the “bitch” she calls herself
multiple times?
And what about Paris? Does he deserve any respect at all? Is he just the pretty boy
coward that both Hector and Helen call him? Or is he right that “We don’t get to choose
the gifts the gods give us”? Is he at fault for making the most of the gifts that Aphrodite
has given him? Should we fault anyone for their good fortune??
In Book 6, Helen shows no respect for her husband – Should she do more to defend him?
Or is she right to show more respect both for Menelaus and Hector?]
Can we imagine any of the Greek heroes wishing that their sons surpass them, as Hector
wishes Astyanax will do? Or are the Greeks too caught up in their own sense of honor?
The Iliad -- Study Guide #1 -- Ancient Studies – Tuttle/Rogers
Assignment #5
Book 9: 186-443, -642-737 (pages 56-63, 68-71)
Book 16: 1-107 (pages 79-82)
What is Achilles doing as Odysseus, Phoenix, and Ajax come upon him? (9.186-200)
What gifts does Agamemnon offer Achilles as a bribe to return to the battle? (9.263-300)
What does Odysseus offer as an even greater reward for returning to the battle, even if Achilles
will not accept Agamemnon’s apology? (9.301-306)
Why does Achilles refuse to change his mind? (9.312-443)
What does Achilles know about his destiny? (9.423-429)
What is Patroclus’ opinion of Achilles’ stance? What does he propose? (16.23-48)
Questions to Consider:
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Would you take the deal that Agamemnon offers to Achilles? Why, or why not? What
about Odysseus’ argument? Would that work on you?
In his response to Odysseus, we see Achilles at his least heroic – and his most dismissive
about the war – for now he is rejecting the idea that there could be any higher meaning
for the war. But do we agree with him about life in general: Should we really conclude
that it makes no difference whether we slack off or work? Does work have no higher
meaning than just slacking off?
Achilles laments that Agamemnon took Briseis from him. But how would Briseis feel
about being taken in the first place? Can we give voice to her feelings in this matter?
What is our judgment of Achilles in Book 9? Petulant, or principled? Should we respect
his example, or reject it?
Is it fair or proper for Achilles to allow Patroclus to fight in his place? Or is Achilles
recklessly and selfishly putting his friend’s life at risk?
The Iliad -- Study Guide #1 -- Ancient Studies – Tuttle/Rogers
Assignment # 6
Book 16: 455-906 (pages 90-101)
Zeus considers challenging the Fates, but Hera talks him out of it. What does he want to do?
(16.469-491)
Again Zeus considers intervening in the case of Patroclus and Hector. What does he consider
doing? (16.678-692)
Achilles had warned Patroclus not to get carried away in the battle and press on to Troy. Does he
heed Achilles’ warning? What does he do and why? (16.717-724)
Who interferes in the fight between Patroclus and Hector? How? (16.732-761, 826-831)
How does Hector behave as Patroclus is dying? How does Patroclus respond? (16.871-894)
Questions to Consider:
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What do we think of Patroclus’ words and actions when he kills Cebriones? Classless?
Does Patroclus have any right to expect better treatment when he too faces death?
The death of Patroclus is what incites Achilles to return to battle; he will want revenge
against Hector. But has this scene justified Achilles in redirecting his rage away from
Agamemnon and toward Hector? Or do the gods continue to orchestrate each step?
The Iliad -- Study Guide #1 -- Ancient Studies – Tuttle/Rogers
Assignment #7
Book 18: 1-259 (pages 101-109)
Book 19: 1-87 (pages 114-116)
Achilles was “brooding with premonitions” (18.4). What does he fear has happened? (18.5-13)
Why does Achilles curse Patroclus? - “Damn him!” (18.14-16)
What decision does Achilles make that he knows will determine his fate? (18.120-135)
Although he does not have the protection of his armor, how is it that Achilles strikes fear in the
hearts of the Trojans (and their horses) as he rescues the body of Patroclus? (18.226-243)
As he returns to the battle, Achilles addresses the troops. What does he say to them that sets them
cheering? (19.67-87)
Questions to Consider:
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In Book 18, we see Achilles’ realization of the costs of his own “wrath.” Is this whole
epic a celebration of Achilles’ “rage”? Or is it a condemnation? When Achilles says,
“And conquest our pride / Because we must,” is he voicing the main lesion of the epic?
Must Achilles’ glory come at a cost to others? Has he overcome his rage, or merely
channeled it in a new direction?
What do we think of Achilles’ reaction in Book 18? Should he be surprised that his
friend died in his place? Does he–or should he–feel guilt for getting his friend killed?
What do we make of Achilles’ motivation in Book 19? Is he going back to fight for a
common cause? Has he seen the error of his ways? Or has he merely redirected his rage
to a new target? And is this new target any more or less justified than the original? Or
should Achilles direct his anger at himself, for letting his friend die in his place? Or
might Achilles realize this already? Does he see himself as a true hero? And do we?
The Iliad -- Study Guide #1 -- Ancient Studies – Tuttle/Rogers
Assignment #8
Book 22: 1-250 (pages 122-129)
Apollo taunts Achilles. How does Achilles respond? Why do you think he does not fear arguing
with the god? (22.10-25)
How does Priam attempt to persuade Hector not to fight Achilles? (22.45-85)
Homer compares Hector to a snake waiting “Tense and coiled / As a man approaches / Its lair in
the mountains, ‘ Venom in its fangs / And poison in its heart, ‘ Glittering eyes ‘ Glaring, from the
rocks” (22.104-110). What is Hector waiting for? Why doesn’t he just put down his weapons
and not fight? (22.114-125)
Why does Zeus wish to save Hector? Who talks him out of it and why? (22.190-209)
What is Zeus weighing in his golden scales? (22.235-240)
Questions to Consider:
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What do we make of the “guilt trip” that Priam lays on Hector before the battle? Would
the old man’s fate really be worse than the fate that Andromache anticipates as a widow?
And do we even agree that there can be “beauty” in the death of a young man? How
would you respond if your coach gave you a “pep talk” like this right before the big
game?
When Hector and Achilles meet in combat, which is the more heroic? Why do you think
so?
The Iliad -- Study Guide #1 -- Ancient Studies – Tuttle/Rogers
Assignment #9
Book 22: 251-575 (pages 129-138)
What is the deal that Hector asks Achilles to agree to? What is Achilles’ response? (22.277-298)
In what way is this battle between Hector and Achilles not a fair one-on-one fight? Explain
(22.301-305)
When Hector throws his first javelin and it strikes only the shield, he asks Deïphobus for another
– but he is not there. What does Hector realize at this point? (22.316-333)
How does Achilles know where the weak spot in Hector’s armor is? (22.350-362)
How does Achilles answer Hector’s plea to respect his corpse? (22.383-393)
What do Hector’s final words prophesy? (22.395-400)
What does Achilles do with Hector’s corpse after the battle? (22.438-449)
The members of Hector’s family poignantly lament his death. What is Andromache’s greatest
sorrow? (22.534-544)
Questions to Consider:
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Should we expect Achilles to be more gracious in his final battle with Hector? Could he
not get his revenge while still showing some respect for his opponent? Is his rage under
control? Or is it now worse than ever?
Hector experiences a crucial moment of recognition and acceptance right before his
death: “I hear the gods calling me to my death” (22.325). But note that he shares
Achilles’ concern for doing great deeds that will live on past his death. What is more
striking to us? The similarities or the differences between the Greeks and the Trojans?
Between Achilles and Hector?
Achilles expresses the desire to cut Hector’s flesh and “eat it raw” (22.385). He then
desecrates Hector’s corpse by dragging it behind his chariot Does Achilles deserve our
respect? Can he ever be a role model for us? Or are his actions justified?
The Iliad -- Study Guide #1 -- Ancient Studies – Tuttle/Rogers
Assignment #10
Book 24: 497-860 (pages 147-157)
Who finally softens Achilles’ heart, enabling him to let go of his rage? How does he do this?
(24.507-565)
“Two jars / Sit at the doorstep of Zeus…” (24.566-567). What is the significance of those two
jars?
What arguments does Priam use to persuade Achilles to give Hector’s body back? (24.520-543)
What is Achilles’ response when Priam asks for Hector’s body back? (24.604-616)
How do Achilles and Priam end the day? (24.672-722)
Describe (one sentence for each) the lamentations of Andromache, Hecuba, and Helen. (24.775830)
Questions to consider:
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Has Achilles in fact put aside his rage in returning Hector’s corpse to Priam? Has this
final episode made him an admirable hero in your eyes?
Homer concludes his epic with the funeral of Hector, not with the end of the war or the
death of Achilles. Why do you think he does this? (24.841-860)