Illiad - Book 1

Question 1

Give some quotes about Achilles’ character in Book 1?

Answer 1

• “swift footed Achilles” (epithet which is often used)
• “my quarrel is not with you but with Agamemnon (he knows who he’s angry with)
• “ bore me to live the briefest of lives” (fated for an early death”
• “longing out for the sound and fury of battle” (because that’s where men win glory)

Question 2

Give some quotes about Agamemnon’s character?

Answer 2

• “unequalled in your greed” (Achilles says this to him over the Chryseis incident)
• “ I shall come and help myself to your prize, or Ajax’s” (he’s a bad leader and doesn’t care about upsetting his men)
• “superior and to teach others” (these are the reasons he gives as to why he’s going to take Briseis”
• “you shameless, self-centered…” ( how Achilles describes him)

Question 3

How does Zeus prove his superiority to Hera?

Answer 3

-“sit there in silence and obey me”.