Representations of Troy

Question 1

Achilles

Iliad vs Movie

Answer 1

Similarities

• The greatest of the Greek warriors
• Wrath

Differences

• Movie downplays Achilles’ divine connections and parentage
• His relationship with the gods is crucial to the story in the Iliad but not in the movie

Question 2

Helen

Answer 2

Similarities

• The cause of the war

Differences

• Depicted more sympathetically in the movie as in love with Paris
• Her character is more complex and conflicted in the Iliad, in the movie she is just a pet rock

Question 3

Paris

Answer 3

Similarities
* Cowardly, abducts Helen to start the war, relies on Hector to defend him like the hopeless blob he is

Differences
* Movie emphasises his love for Helen
* Movie attempts to show some growth in Paris as he defends Troy

Question 4

what the HECTOR

(It’s Hector)

Answer 4

Similarities

• DIES
• Killed by Achilles
• Noble warrior, loving father + husband

Differences

• none apparently

Question 5

Omissions in Troy Movie

Answer 5

Divine intervention

• In the Iliad, Athena, Hera and Zeus are deeply involved in the war, often influencing the outcome of battles and characters’ fates
• The movie presents the story as a human conflict not a divine one

Patroclus’ Role

• Patroclus and Achilles’ relationship is more fraternal than in the Iliad

Question 6

Additions in Troy Movie

Answer 6

Briseis

• This girlie is Achilles’ love interest
• In the Iliad, Briseis is more of a symbol of Achilles’ honour and pride compared to the movie

End of the War

• Depicts the Trojan horse story, which isn’t part of the Iliad but mentioned in later parts of the Epic Cycle