1. How is the interplay of Achilles, Agamemnon, Chryses and Nestor similar to that of Hera, Zeus, Thetis, and Hephaistos?
2. How many acts of supplication (broadly defined) can you identify in Book 1?  How are they alike and different?
3. List the specific actions which god(desse)s take in Book 1.  What motivates them?
4. As you read Iliad 1, look at the language of epic poetry.  What repeated words, phrases, or lines strike you as significant?
5. Why do you think the Iliad begins the way it does?  What does Book 1 introduce?  What--judging from your earlier reading of the Iliad--does it not introduce?

1. How is the sceptre, described in Book 1, important in Book 2?  In other words, what does it show us?
2. Compare the role of Hera and Athena in Books 1 and 2.
3. Compare Thersites’ complaints with those of Achilles.  Why is he treated so differently?
4. Note the various items of information and disinformation from Zeus mentioned by Agamemnon, Odysseus, and Nestor.  How sure can we be of anyone’s interpretation of such dreams and omens?
5. How does Homer signal the importance of the catalogue of Greek contingents?
6. Why does Homer give us a Catalogue of Ships at this point in the story?
7. Do you notice any differences between the catalogue of the Trojan forces and that of the Greeks?

1. What devices does Homer use to characterize Paris (Alexandros)?  Consider not only Paris’ words and actions, but the words and actions of others, costume, and anything else.
2. Consider in the same way the characterization of Helen.
3. Considered literally the scene with Helen, Priam and the elders of Troy is ridiculous.  Why?  Why, then, is it in the Iliad?
4. Contrast Aphrodite’s relationship with Paris and with Helen.  What threat does Aphrodite make to Helen?
5. Describe, if you can, the relationship between Helen and Paris.

1. What agreement do Zeus and Hera make, and why do you think they do so?  What is the attitude of each toward Troy?  Toward the Greeks?
2. Note the similes which help describe the wounding of Menelaos (4.129-133, 141-147).  What makes them striking?  Keep a list, with book and line references, of other notable similes.
3. What are Agamemnon’s worries after his brother Menelaos is wounded?
4. When Agamemnon rouses the troops, what technique does he use on Odysseus and Diomedes?  What do these warriors’ reactions show?
5. Look closely at the death of Simoeisios (4.474-489).  How does Homer describe it, and what is the effect of his description?  Contrast the final exchange of deaths (4.517-544).

1. Describe the help which Athena gives to Diomedes at various points in Book 5.
2. Contrast Aphrodite’s rescue of Paris in Book 3 with her attempted rescue of Aineias in Book 5.  Who completes the rescue and what does this show about Aineias?
3. Why do you think Homer makes so much of the horses of Aineias?
4. Dione, Aphrodite’s mother, comforts her with tales of other gods who have been attacked by mortals.  What is the significance of this?
5. Sarpedon, son of Zeus, kills Tlepolemos, son of Herakles and grandson of Zeus; these two warriors mention the early sacking of Troy by Herakles.  Can you see how this may be related to the present war at Troy?
6. In Book 5 Diomedes wounds two gods, Aphrodite and Ares.  Compare these two episodes, especially Zeus’ attitude.  Can you suggest why these two gods, in particular, are so treated?

1. How does the story of Adrestos characterize the two brothers, Menelaos and Agamemnon?  Compare this to other acts of supplication.
2. What is the point of the story of Glaukos and Diomedes?  What is the relevance of Glaukos’ comparison of the generations of men to the generations of leaves?
3. Why does Hektor visit Hekabe, Helen, and Andromache in that order?  What does each one offer him?
4. What sort of relationship do Hektor and Helen have?
5. Why do Hektor and Andromache meet where they do?  How has Achilles already affected Andromache’s life?  Why does Hektor refuse Andromache’s request?  How does he seek to console her?
6. What emotions does the episode with the baby Astyanax (Skamandrios) evoke?  What does Astyanax’ fright dramatize?
7. Why does Hektor pray for his son’s well-being when he has already stated that he knows Troy will fall?

1. Compare in detail the duel between Hektor and Aias with the duel between Paris and Menelaos, including the role of the gods.  (Compare also the encounter between Glaukos and Diomedes in Book 6.)  Why stage a second duel?
2. What is Nestor’s advice after the duel, and why does he give it?
3. What advice does Antenor give the Trojans after the duel?  Compare Antenor’s words when Helen goes to the wall in Book 3.  What is Paris’ response to Antenor?  Priam’s response?  Why do you think Priam responds as he does?
4. What assurance does Zeus give Poseidon about the walls which the Greeks now build?  What seems to be the point of this scene between the two gods?
5. Note the unusual silence (7.427-429) as the dead bodies are gathered and Zeus’ thundering during the feasting at night (7.476-482).  Comments?

1. Note in detail the roles of Zeus, Hera, and Athena in the course of Book 8.  How does each intervene in the human battle?  What prediction does Zeus make about the later course of the war?
2. Contrast the role of Diomedes in Book 8 with his earlier exploits in Books 5 and 6.
3. Compare the scenes at the end of Books 7 and 8.  Comments?

1. Compare carefully Agamemnon’s speech making his offer of gifts of Achilles and Odysseus’ speech conveying that offer.  What does Odysseus add/subtract from Agamemnon’s speech and why?
2. What seems to be the relationship between Odysseus and Achilles?
3. Phoinix and Aias also attempt to persuade Achilles to return to the battle.  How do their techniques of persuasion differ from that of Odysseus?
4. What intention does Achilles announce in response to Odysseus’ speech?  Is this consistent with the request which he has had Thetis convey to Zeus?
5. After Phoinix’ speech, what does Achilles say he intends to do?  What does he tell Aias he will do?
6. What does Odysseus report back to the rest of the Greeks and why?

1. Note in detail the various ways in which Homer dramatizes Agamemnon’s concern for Menelaos.
2. What is the purpose of the expeditions of Diomedes and Odysseus and of Dolon?  What prize does Nestor promise?  What prize does Hektor promise Dolon?  What prize do Odysseus and Diomedes win for themselves?  Comments?
3. What is unusual about the attire of Diomedes, Odysseus, and Dolon?
4. How do you rate Odysseus as an intelligence officer?  That is, how skillfully does he interrogate Dolon?  Is Diomedes breaking a promise when he kills Dolon as Dolon is trying to supplicate him?
5. Note the various dealings which Athena has with Odysseus and Diomedes.

 

1. Note the details of Agamemnon’s killings of Isos and Antiphos (11.101ff.), Peisandros and Hippolochos (11.122ff.), and Iphidamas and Koon (11.221ff.).  Comments?
2. In Book 11 Zeus fulfills his promise to Thetis.  Note in detail the methods by which he accomplishes this.
3. Compare Diomedes’ encounter with Hektor and Paris (11.343ff.) with earlier fights and duels.
4. Note how Odysseus gets wounded in his fight with Charops and Sokos (11.426ff.).  Compare the wounding of Diomedes, Agamemnon, Machaon (11.504ff.), and Eurypylos (11.580ff.).
5. Why does Aias retreat (11.543ff.)?  What similes dramatize this scene?
6. What decision does Achilles make when he sees Machaon wounded?
7. Why does Nestor tell Patroklos the long story of the battle between the people of Pylos and the people of Elis, i.e. how is it appropriate for the present situation?
8. Note the details of the scene in Phthia which Nestor recalls to Patroklos.  What fateful suggestion does Nestor now make?
9. When Patroklos stops to help Eurypylos, what do we learn about the centaur Cheiron and Achilles?

1. Why is the ultimate fate of the Greek wall given such emphasis? (12.1-35)
2. How does the episode with Asios help to dramatize the Trojan assault on the Greek fortifications? (12.108 ff.; cf. 13.384 ff.)
3. What does the portent of the eagle and snake mean?  Is Hektor's interpretation of it correct or Poulydamas'?  (12.195 ff.)
4. Compare Sarpedon's words to his companion Glaukos (12.310-327) with Achilles' words about death in Book 9 [and with Achilles' refusal of Lykaon's supplication at the beginning of Book 21].
5. How is our reaction to the near-killing of Sarpedon by Aias and Teukros (12.400 ff.) colored by our knowledge of Sarpedon's coming death?   Who saves Sarpedon?
6. What similes strike you as notable in Book 12?

1. Who is the only god active in Book 13, and how is he able to act when the other gods and goddesses cannot?  (See especially 13.345-360.)  What sort of actions does he take?
2. When Menelaos kills the Trojan Peisandros (13.601-642), what does he have to say to and about Zeus and his role in the war?
3. Menelaos and Meriones next kill Harpalion, a Trojan ally whose father Pylaimenes was also fighting at Troy (13.643-662).  Does Harpalion’s relationship with Paris make his death appropriate?
4. Note the prophecy given Euchenor of Korinth by his father, the seer Polyidos (13.660-672); compare Thetis’ prophecy to Achilles.
5. Hektor rebukes Paris yet again at 13.765-788.  How does this scene contrast with earlier scenes between the two brothers?
6. Compare the exchange between Aias and Hektor at 13.809-832 with their encounter in Book 7. What seems to be the meaning of the omen which comes between Aias’ speech and that of Hektor? Who do you think sends the omen?  Is Hektor’s reaction to the omen appropriate?

1. How does the scene with Nestor, Agamemnon, Odysseus, and Diomedes confirm or change our estimate of these heroes’ character?
2. Note Poseidon’s words about Achilles (14.135ff.).  Comments?
3. Why does Hera decide to seduce her husband Zeus?  What is the point of the story she tells about a marital tiff between Okeanos (Ocean) and Tethys?  How does Hera persuade Sleep to help her (note the great oath which Hera swears [14.277ff.])?  What compliment does Zeus pay his wife? (!)  How is the scene of their lovemaking appropriate?
4. What message does Sleep bring Poseidon?  What does Aias do to Hektor?  (Compare their earlier encounters.  Comments?)
5. Ilioneus is a Trojan beloved by Hermes (14.486ff.), but this isn’t enough to save his life.  Why do you suppose his death is so ghastly?
6. What is the state of the battle at the end of Book 14?

1. Note the details of the earlier marital quarrel recalled by Zeus.  Which hero was the cause of it?  What does Zeus predict as the result of the orders he will now give Apollo? (15.1-77)
2. When Hera rejoins the other gods, why does Athena have to restrain Ares?  (15.78ff.)
3. How does Poseidon react when Iris delivers Zeus’ message (15.157ff.)?  What condition does he put on his compliance?  How does Zeus react?
4. What is the result of Apollo’s intervention (15.220ff.)?  How does Apollo appear as he helps the Trojans, and what implement of terror is he carrying?  What does this signify?  (Note especially 15.306ff., 352ff.)
5. Why does Zeus respond as he does to Nestor’s prayer?  (15.370ff.)
6. What happens when Hektor approaches Aias this time?  (15.414ff.)
7. What is ironic about the boast of Hektor after Teukros’ attack is foiled?  (15.484ff.)  (Note and answering cry of Aias.)
8. Note Homer’s own comment on the Trojan attack,  (15.592ff.)  and note the role of Zeus.  How is Hektor described in this passage, both directly and indirectly?  Comments?
9. Note the role of Nestor, Athena, and Aias, in holding the Greek position at the ships (15.653ff.).
10. Whose ship does Hektor grasp at the stern?  (15.696ff.)  Comments?

1. Special topic:  As you read Book 16, take note of any interesting or unusual similes.  Make a list of FIVE similes worthy of discussion in class.  Do you notice any elements which are common to more than one simile?
2. At the beginning of Book 16 Achilles compares Patroklos to a crying girl running to her mommy.  The full implications of this?
3. Why does Achilles refuse, at this crucial moment, to rejoin the battle?
4. What is Aias doing while Patroklos gets ready to fight, and why do you think Homer puts the spotlight on Aias?
5. How are Achilles’ horses appropriate for him?
6. Why does Zeus refuse part of Achilles’ prayer?  Can you cite evidence for your answer?
7. Comment on Sarpedon’s killing of Achilles’ mortal horse Pedasos (16.467).
8. What does the conversation between Zeus and Hera before Sarpedon’s death show about the relationship between the gods and fate?
9. List everyone responsible, in any degree, for the death of Patroklos.
10. What is ironic about Hektor’s words to the dying Patroklos.  Are Patroklos’ words more accurate?

1. Menelaos takes revenge on Euphorbos for Patroklos’ death.  Why does he then retreat?  Comments?  (17.1-108)
2. After stripping Patroklos’ armor, what does Hektor intend to do with the body?  Who balks him?  (17.125ff.)
3. Note with special care how Homer describes the donning of Achilles’ armor by Hektor (17.188ff.).  What are Zeus’ intentions now?
4. As the Trojans, led by Hektor, and the Greeks, led by Aias, fight over Patroklos’ corpse, Zeus sends a mist over the battlefield.  Why?  (17.266ff.; 366ff.)  How is the mist finally lifted?  (17.645ff.)
5. During the battle over Patroklos, how close do the Greeks come to routing them?  Who stops the Greeks’ advance?  (17.319ff.)
6. What does Achilles think he knows about Patroklos’ fate at this point?  (17.401ff.)  What does this show about his relationship with Zeus?  With Thetis?
7. What does the scene with Zeus and Achilles’ horses show us about Zeus’ relationship to mortals?  (17.426ff.)
8. How do Zeus, Athena, and Apollo influence the fighting as the battle draws on?  (17.543ff.)
9. As the Greeks try to rescue the body of Patroklos, who is sent back to tell Achilles the news of his companion’s death?  Comments?  (17.684ff.)

1. When Achilles sees the Achaian retreat (18.1ff.) what prophecy of Thetis does he recall?  As Achilles mourns after hearing from Antilochos of Patroklos’ death, what are Thetis and the Nereids mourning? (18.35ff.)  What becomes clear in Achilles’ conversation with Thetis? (18.70ff.)
2. What, meanwhile, is happening to the corpse of Patroklos? (18.148ff.)  How does Hera intervene?  What other deity helps Achilles?  What is notable about Achilles’ appearance?
3. When the Trojans assemble after the battle (18.243ff.), what advice does Poulydamas give?  How does Hektor react, and why?  What is Homer’s comment (18.310ff.)?
4. How does Achilles plan to honor Patroklos (18.316ff.)?
5. What seems to be the point of Zeus brief conversation with Hera (18.356ff.)?
6. How is Hephaistos obligated to Thetis (18.369ff.)?
7. What does Hephaistos portray on the shield of Achilles (18.478ff.)?  Do you detect anything missing on the shield?  Can you say why this shield is appropriate for Achilles to carry?

1. What gift does Thetis grant to the dead Patroklos?  Compare Zeus’ and Athena’s gift to Achilles (19.23ff., 338ff.)
2. How completely are Achilles and Agamemnon reconciled?  Consider especially Agamemnon’s speech with its mythological exemplar (19.78ff.).
3. How does Odysseus disagree with Achilles, and what is the point of this disagreement?
4. What do we learn about Briseis as she mourns Patroklos?  (19.282ff.)
5. What had Achilles hoped that Patroklos would do for him?  (19.315ff.)
6. As Achilles arms, what is the predominant imagery?  (19.357ff.)  Compare Achilles’ duel with Hektor in Book 22.
7. At the close of Book 19 one of Achilles’ horses, Xanthos, speaks to him.  Comments?

1. What is new about the role of the gods in the first part of Book 20?  What is not so new?  (20.1-152)
2. When Achilles and Aineias duel, how does Achilles taunt his opponent?  What claim does Aineias make in reply?  (20.156ff.)  How and why does Poseidon rescue Aineias?  (20.288ff.)
3. How do Athena and Apollo intervene in the first duel between Achilles and Hektor?  (20.419ff.)  What comparisons with other duels suggest themselves?
4. What is notable about Achilles’ killing of Tros?   (20.463ff.)

1. Compare Lykaon's supplication of Achilles (21. 34 ff.) with other scenes of supplication.  Note the role of food.
2. Comment on Achilles' defeat of and vaunting over Asteropaios (21.139 ff.).
3. What elements are important in Achilles' fight with the river-god Skamandros?  Comment expecially on the manner of the river's defeat and the concession which Skamandros makes.
4. Contrast the battles among the gods with Achilles' river-battle.
5. How does Agenor's confrontation with Achilles foreshadow Hektor's fatal duel?

1. How does the poet set the scene for Hektor's final duel?
2. What is Hektor's state of mind as Achilles approaches?
3. What imagery accompanies Hektor's sudden dash for safety?
4. What is Zeus' state of mind and why does he let Athena intervene?
5. Why does Apollo forsake Hektor?
6. What simile does Achilles use when he refuses to agree to return Hektor's corpse?
7. What final prophecy does Hektor make, and how does Achilles react?
8. Where is Andromache, and how does she hear of Hektor's death?  Cf. Book 6.
9. What prediction does Andromache make about Astyanax, and how is this ironic?

1. How does the funeral of Patroklos prepare us for the scene between Priam and Achilles in Book 24?
2. How does Patroklos’ funeral foreshadow the funeral of Achilles?
3. As you read the narrative of the contests at Patroklos’ funeral, note what happens to each contestant.  What episodes, earlier in the poem or later in the tradition, should we compare?
4. Note especially the role played by Achilles as master of ceremonies.  What other episodes ought we to compare?  How does his role here prepare us for Book 24?
5. The games are our last view of most of the heroes.  Is this appropriate?  Other comments?

Critics have noted that Book 24, the conclusion of the Iliad, mirrors Book 1, its beginning.  How much mirroring can you find?  Consider, among other things, the role of the gods, particularly Zeus and Thetis, supplications of parents for their children (hint hint), funerals. . . .

Cedric Whitman, in Homer and the Heroic Tradition, has shown how Priam’s journey to Achilles’ shelter resembles a trip to Hades.  How many ways can you find in which Homer has suggested this?

The following questions refer to Priam’s supplication of Achilles.
 

1. What gestures does Priam use when he first approaches Achilles (24.468ff.)?  WHY does he do so?
2. What appeal does Priam make in his first speech to Achilles (24.486ff.)?  What does this show about Priam?  About Achilles?
3. What is Achilles' reaction (24.507ff.)? What gestures does he make in return?  What does this show?
4. What advice does Achilles now give to Priam (24.518ff.)? How does the story of the two urns of Zeus (24.525ff.) apply to Achilles?  To Priam?  What does Achilles reveal about himself when he tells this story?
5. What does the second exchange between Priam and Achilles (24.552-571) reveal about Achilles' state of mind?
6. What does Achilles then do (24.572-598)?  Note ALL the details of his actions.  WHY does he do these things?
7. Achilles then tells Priam the story of Niobe (24.599ff.).  What is the point of this story?  What do Priam and Achilles then do?  WHY?  What is each thinking about?
8. What request does Priam then make (24.633ff.)?  WHY does Achilles use caution in granting this request?
9. What offer, finally, does Achilles now make to Priam (24.656ff.)?  What is Achilles' final gesture to Priam (24.676ff.)?  Where does each sleep?  What does all this mean?

Which characters utter the final words of lamentation in the poem?  How is this appropriate?