Iliad Writing Prompts
Directions: Consider the following prompts. Choose one and complete a full response using specific examples from the
text as support. Be sure to include an introduction and conclusion in the piece of writing. Response is due at the end of the
period on Wednesday, 3/4.
Roles of the Gods
Discuss Homer’s portrayal of the gods in The Iliad. What is their relationship with mortals? With fate? What are their
various functions in the work? How are they or aren’t they companionable? What larger statements does Homer seem to
be making by depicting the gods as he does?
Compare/Contrast: Achilles and Hector
Achilles and Hector are alike in some ways but different in many others. Write an informative essay, which compares and
contrasts Achilles and Hector. Consider their personalities, their motivations, their leadership qualities, their relationships
and standing with those around them, their skills as soldiers, and their moral and ethical values.
Legendary Value
It has been claimed that Western literature begins with the Iliad. We still use expressions like “Achilles’ heel,” “Trojan
horse,” or “the face that launched a thousand ships,” all with origins in the Iliad or the mythology on which it is based. In
terms of the number of copies to survive from antiquity, the poems of Homer are second only to the Bible in popularity.
Taking this into consideration, what value does Homer’s story possess in today’s culture? Consider discussing specific
lessons expressed overtly or subtly, elements of Homer’s writing and/or specific styles Homer employs in his work.
Heroic Code
The criteria which develops and code which governs the Homeric hero are straightforward but unique; the aspiration of
every hero is to achieve honor. Honor is essential to the Homeric heroes, so much so that life would be meaningless
without it. Thus, honor, which can only be won in battle, is more important than life itself. The heroic ideal in the Iliad is
sometimes offensive to contemporary sensibility for a variety of reasons, but what is required here is not the reader's
approval, but understanding of these heroic principles according to Homer. Therefore, examine the elements evident in the
Iliad’s heroes that contradict our westernized expectations and discuss an individual character, who most epitomizes the
Homeric hero archetype.
***Regardless of the topic chosen, your response must include the following elements:
*an introductory paragraph which captures the reader's attention, previews your organization, and states
your basic argument in a formal THESIS STATEMENT.
*main paragraph, which provides evidence to support your argument as well as critical analysis of the
evidence.
T- Clear topic sentence presenting your subject
E- At least three (3) examples of text to support claims
A- Insightful analysis detailing the significance of each quote and the connection each has to your
thesis
*a conclusion paragraph which logically signals the end of your argument and gives the reader a parting
thought to consider.
Literary Response Rubric
INTRODUCTION:
2.5
intentional information/attention
getter; fluent transition from
intentional to specific information
1.75
general information/attention getter;
transition from general to specific
information evident
1
direct statement of purpose:
no transition and / or vague
preview.
THESIS STATEMENT:
2.5
clear thesis statement;
insightful stance; style
attempted
1.75
general thesis statement;
general stance evident; less
developed style
1
vague thesis statement;
vague or unclear stance
made; indistinct language
0
no thesis statement
3.5
clear purpose; most
major points specifically
developed
2
clear purpose; some
major points developed
1
vague purpose; some
development; most support
is general; may be a list of
related information
CONTENT (x2):
5
all major points
elaborated with
specific reasons/
examples; all relevant
info. included
QUOTES (x3):
5
excellent variety; quotes
are introduced and explained;
emphasize points well; analysis
is clear and effective
3.5
similar quotes; taken from
same area; support is less
obvious; analysis is general
1
missing one or more quotes
quotes are left with no explanation
0
no quotes used
STRUCTRE: Order & Mechanics:
5
no major errors; few minor; clear focus
always maintained; ideas logically
and appropriately organized
transitions tie thinking together
clear plan is evident
3.5
a few minor errors; no more
than one major error focus maintained;
plan is evident; some transitions used
1
sentence construction
disrupts reading; may lose focus;
vague concept of essay
organization & coherence;
plan is vague; no transitions
TOTAL = _____/40