Iliad Flashcards
What aspects of Greek culture show their disunity?
No single term for “greek”, no set birthplace of Homer, Iliad written in a poetic dialect
Why were the palaces described anachronistic?
They had been great centers but collapsed long before Homer’s time
Why were chariots anachronistic?
While they were used in battle, not like they are described. They would be used like taxis, not driven around in the actual battle.
Why was the manner of burial anachronistic?
In Homer’s works, bodies are cremated. In ancient times, they would’ve been buried.
How does the Greek and Trojan culture compare?
They are virtually the same, with no discernible differences.
How do the similarities of Greek and Trojan culture manifest in Homer?
He treats them each with the same respect. It is as much a tragedy of Hector as it is of Achilles.
What is the distinction between shame and guilt?
Shame is defined by external judgement; guilt by internal judgement
Does the Iliad typically employ shame culture or guilt culture?
Shame culture
How were epic poems typically both new and old at the same time?
They were memorized and recited. Each time, the story would remain the same, having been passed down; but the exact wording would change
What were the formulae of epic poetry?
They were building blocks – e.g. epithets, which corresponded to a specific context and meter within a line and within the text.
How does word order come into play in epic poetry?
Because the word order of ancient Greek was not set, where a poet would place a word signified its important. (e.g., “anger” at the beginning of the Iliad)
Why are beginnings important?
They are dramatic and they set the tone
Why are the two results of endings?
Endings can both pull together and split apart
What is the main theme of the Iliad?
It is the journey of Achilles’ anger and his journey back to being human
What did Aristotle think about anger?
It turns men either into beats or Gods
