World Lit
Iliad Book 1 Discussion Questions
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What crisis in the Greek camp confronts the leaders at the opening of the
epic?
How does this crisis lead to a conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon?
What action does Agamemnon take to appease Apollo? What does he take
from Achilles?
What does Thetis promise to do for her son Achilles? What does Achilles
want Zeus to do?
What impression do you have of Agamemnon? What impression do you
have of Achilles? Name specific traits and provide passages for evidence.
How are these men both similar and different?
Do you think Achilles is justified in his wrath against Agamemnon and his
subsequent withdrawal from battle?
Honor, pride, loyalty: What connotation do you associate with each?
Which is most important? What are the connections between them?
Weekend Reading
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Read the excerpt from Book 22 in your textbook. (It’s around 16
pages.)
Tuesday night your homework is to read the excerpt from Book 24
(around 13 pages). So if you want to get ahead this weekend, read
that too.
The QUIZ on TUESDAY is over Books 1 and 22 as well as the
introductory information and terms. (But most of the questions are
over Books 1 and 22.)
I think you’ll find that Books 22 and 24 are much easier to
comprehend than Book 1. If you’re having trouble, try using post-its
to summarize 1/3 to 1/2 of a page at a time. Also try to draw a visual
representation of where the characters are as the action/dialogue
takes place.
Remember that Book 22 focuses on the showdown between Achilles
and Hector. Book 24 focuses on a conversation between Achilles and
Priam.