8B Ovid Heroides Flashcards
What happened to Briseis’ husband?
He was killed when Achilles’ men took Lyrnessus
At what point in the Iliad is Briseis’ letter supposed to have been written?
Book 9
What does Briseis want Achilles to do?
Take her back and not leave her behind
How does Briseis feel about the Trojans?
Before she would’ve been on the Trojan side, as her home was sacked by Achilles and his men, but now, as she loves Achilles, she would be against them
Why does Briseis not support the Trojans anymore?
Because she has fallen in love with Achilles
What is the point of Briseis’ statement that she knows how to work wool?
She will be a good slave if Achilles marries and she is not wanted as a concubine anymore
Why does Briseis love Achilles?
Stockholm syndrome, plus the fact that Achilles has been kind to her, when others would have treated her cruelly
Is Briseis right to accuse Achilles of infidelity?
As a bed slave/concubine, no, as she would have no right to. In actual fact, however, yes. Achilles has lain with other women and so she is correct in that he has not been faithful to her (although again he doesn’t have to be)
Who is Oenene?
Paris’ wife
Why did Paris leave his wife?
To go and judge the goddesses’ beauty. He left her in the marital sense because he got Helen
What does what you already know about Cassandra tell you about what she said?
That it is fated to become true, but not believed by anyone until it’s too late
What is it that Cassandra said?
She warned of ‘a Greek heifer coming to bring ruin to your country, your house and yourself’
What does Oenene want Paris to do?
Take her back instead of having Helen
What arguments does Oenene use about Helen?
That if she left her husband for Paris, she would in turn leave Paris for someone else
Who kidnapped Helen and according to Oenene most probably took her virginity?
Theseus
