The iliad Flashcards
When did the battle of Troy supposedly take place? When was the Iliad written?
It was supposed to occur in the 1300 BC
It was written in the 800s - 700s BC.
What two goddesses hate Paris? Why?
1/ Pallas Athena (wisdom, war)
2/ Hera (women, marriage, family)
They hate him because Paris was chosen to decide which of Athena, Aphrodite and Hera was the most beautiful. He chose Aphrodite, pissing the others off.
What is the irony in Agamemnon taking Briseis?
The whole war was started by the unfair taking of Agamemnon’s brother’s missus! (Helen)
Do we know who Homer was? We know where it was written, right?
It’s unknown who Homer was. We don’t even know if it was one person or many who wrote it.
Unknown where it was written
How does the Iliad represent women?
Represents women as a temptation for men. Seems to weaken them when you consider Hector’s mothers attempts for him to stay away from the battle, and Helen’s efforts to seduce him and stay away from battle. Both these things would disgrace Hector.
What were the two main uses of epithets?
1/ Used to create rhythm
2/ Used to create a sense for the nature of things and the tensions in play. E.g Achilles the swift footed was often not performing such a feat.
