Unit 4: Study Questions Flashcards
How does Achilleus learn about his friend’s death?
Achilleus learns of Patroklos’ death from Antilochos, who brings the news from the battlefield. Overcome with grief, Achilleus collapses in mourning and vows revenge on Hektor.
What does Achilleus’ conversation with his mother reveal about his anger?
Achilleus realizes his anger toward Agamemnon was petty compared to the loss of Patroklos. He acknowledges that his fate is sealed and prepares for his final battle.
Why is Achilleus’ new armor significant?
Hephaestus forges divine armor, symbolizing Achilleus’ renewed purpose and near-godlike power. It marks his return to battle and foreshadows his ultimate fate.
What does this book teach about war and peace?
War is shown as brutal and inevitable, with no true winners. Peace is fleeting, only achieved through grief and mutual suffering, as seen in Priam and Achilleus’ final meeting.
Why does Hektor flee from Achilleus?
Despite his bravery, Hektor panics upon seeing Achilleus’ unstoppable rage. His flight emphasizes human vulnerability, even in great heroes.
How is Hektor’s death described?
Achilleus kills Hektor with a spear to the throat. Hektor begs for a proper burial, but Achilleus refuses, dragging his body in rage.
How does Priam ransom Hektor’s body?
Priam humbles himself before Achilleus, invoking shared grief and offering ransom. His plea highlights human dignity amidst war.
How does Achilleus respond to Priam’s request?
Achilleus, moved by Priam’s sorrow, returns Hektor’s body. This act shows his evolving understanding of loss and honor.
How does the Iliad conclude?
The Iliad ends with Hektor’s funeral, emphasizing honor, grief, and the cost of war. Achilleus’ fate is left unresolved.
Who is the hero of the Iliad? Why?
Achilleus is the hero due to his unmatched prowess, deep emotions, and personal transformation. His journey defines the epic’s themes of rage and reconciliation.
Why is honor important in the heroic age?
Honor defines status and legacy. It is earned through battle and linked to power, shaping a warrior’s reputation.
How does the Iliad portray both sides of the war?
Both Greeks and Trojans are depicted with heroism and flaws. The poet shows sympathy for both, especially Hektor and Priam.
Are the gods’ episodes entertaining?
Yes, they provide humor, contrast, and divine meddling that influence human fates. They also highlight human struggles.
What do these incidents reveal about Achilleus’ character?
- Briseis’ seizure
- Patroklos’ death
- Hektor’s body treatment
- Priam’s plea
- Shows his wounded pride and volatile anger.
- Triggers his grief and shifts his purpose to vengeance.
- Displays his unchecked rage and dishonor.
- Shows his ability to empathize and recognize shared suffering.
What role do the gods play in Hektor’s death?
Athena deceives Hektor into fighting Achilleus alone, sealing his fate.
Why does Homer include Hektor’s family in this episode?
It humanizes Hektor, contrasting his noble character with Achilleus’ relentless wrath.
What deal does Hektor propose to Achilleus? Why is it refused?
Hektor asks that their bodies be returned for burial, but Achilleus refuses out of rage, seeking revenge for Patroklos.
When was the Iliad likely written, and what is the evidence?
The Iliad was likely written in the 8th century BCE. Linguistic analysis and archaeological findings suggest it was composed during the early Greek alphabetic writing period, based on oral traditions that existed for centuries before.
When did events in the Iliad take place, and what historical period does it actually describe?
The events of the Iliad are set during the legendary Trojan War, traditionally dated to around the 12th–13th century BCE (Late Bronze Age). However, the society and warfare described resemble the Greek Dark Age (c. 1100–750 BCE), suggesting a blend of myth and later historical influences.
How historically accurate is the Iliad?
While inspired by real events, the Iliad is not historically precise. Archaeology confirms a city resembling Troy existed and was destroyed, but details of the war, heroes, and divine interventions are mythological. The epic reflects later Greek values and societal structures rather than true Bronze Age history.
What is the role of the gods in the Iliad?
The gods in the Iliad actively interfere in mortal affairs, taking sides, aiding or hindering heroes, and shaping the course of the war. They represent cosmic forces, personal rivalries, and human emotions, reflecting the Greek belief in divine influence over fate.
To what extent do the gods control mortals?
The gods influence mortal actions but do not completely control them. While they guide events through omens, interventions, and direct manipulation, human characters still make choices, struggle with fate, and bear responsibility for their actions.
What understanding of the gods is reflected in the Iliad?
The Iliad presents the gods as powerful yet flawed beings who resemble humans in their emotions, conflicts, and partiality. They are not omnipotent or moral authorities but rather capricious figures who reflect the Greeks’ view of a world governed by fate, divine will, and human agency.
