The Iliad Questions

Description

1.The Nature of the Homeric Hero. Pick two of the main characters of the Iliad (male or female!), and use a comparison of these characters, or an analysis of the interaction between these characters, to investigate what it means, and does not mean, to be a Homeric “hero.” What seems to define the nature of “heroism” within this society, and in what ways does the presentation of a given hero alter, or bring into question, the heroic ideal?

You might, for instance, compare the idea of the hero represented by Hector with the presentation of his brother, Paris. Or you might focus on Hector, and ask what his interactions with his wife Andromache tell us about the nature of his male heroism. Or you might focus on the figure of Helen, and ask what her interactions with Paris and Hector tell us about the heroic society, and the role of the female in the construction of the hero. You will want, that is, to focus primarily on one figure, and use one or more interactions or contrasting figures to help analyze the nature of heroism.

2.If you found any other topic or aspect of The Iliad interesting, start a discussion prompt of your own

3.What lessons does Achilles learn in The Iliad? Does Achilles change in The Iliad? You will wan to focus primarily on one or two specific interactions help analyze and support your discussion.

4.The gods play an important role in The Iliad. What is the one thing that the gods do which most influences the story, and why is it the most influential action of the gods?