Don't forget Sunday's 7 p.m. screening of "Troy" in Student Union 330.
Achilles keeping the corpse of Hector. Red-figure
cup, 490-80 BCE, Athens.
Here are some reading questions to consider as you read Iliad 1, based on this helpful study guide by Robin Mitchell-Boyask. It is a good idea to take notes as you read, and especially note any questions that come up. We will discuss some of the following questions in class.
The proem consists of the first 8 lines. It is a masterpiece of poetic compression; every word counts. What does evoking the Muse entail? What is the epic about? What thematic concerns are introduced?
The theme of the mutilation of the corpse will be important throughout the epic. Where is it first introduced?
What, exactly, is the will of Zeus?
Mark Edwards writes (in Homer: The Poet of the Iliad, p.21): "From the very first lines, H. Will raise the origins of human suffering." What are these origins?
Throughout the first two books look for details that provide basic information about the war.
Verbal formulas called epithets are descriptive phrases that regularly accompany names. Epithets always denote some essential quality. Take note of epithets used to describe different characters in Iliad 1. . We will discuss formulaic composition in class.
What kind of god is Apollo? To what does he respond? Study the words and actions of Agamemnon carefully. What is the basis of his authority?
Achilles calls an assembly. What is his function in society? Is he usurping Ag.'s authority? What motivates him here?
Note how Ag. And Ach. bait each other. Note how they talk about women. With which combatant do you side? Does either have justice on his side? Why is Briseis important?
Note the way Homer describes Ach.'s inner conflict. What kind of psychology is this? Athena intervenes. Why? Note how she restrains him. Why does he obey her? Ach. swears by a scepter that he will not fight again; why does he compare himself to the scepter?
What is Nestor like? What does he urge and why? Do they listen?
Achilles calls for his mother, the goddess Thetis. Their relationship is extremely important, so study their action carefully. Note what he requests, and keep it in mind later, because his request is not granted in precisely the way he intends. Remember also that in the first line Achilles is called the son of Peleus. Through the course of the poem, consider whether his mother or father is more important to him.
Thetis first mentions his fate. Consider why this fate is appropriate to Achilles in particular.
At the end of the book, Homer moves the action to the gods. Do the interactions among the gods parallel those among the humans? In what ways? What do the gods do here that the humans do not? Is there a function in the story for the gods' 12 day absence? You will need to consider the role of the gods throughout the epic.
