Monday, 9/9 - Let the break dance fighting begin

• P&P 

• Take notes on J8's reading assignment (Leithart's introduction to Homer's Iliad). 

• Begin Homer's Iliad (this link is to our Fagles version; you'll have to wait a minute for it to download), and also begin reading Leithart for J9 (Due block day), "The Rage of Achilles, Books 1-8." If for some reason Fagles' version won't download for you, please use this link and read it until your Fagles arrives in the mail.

HW: Read one book of Homer's Iliad per day (journal will be due Monday, 9/16). In addition to the journal, I want you to select one favorite quote from each book; be ready either to link the quote to a larger theme, or explain why it's artistically delicious. So your homework for tomorrow will be to finish Book 1, record your favorite quote, and be ready to defend your selection. Cheers!



J9 – Heroes (97-114) – “The Rage of Achilles, Books 1-8”

1. In what ways does Homer use Achilles to “trace out the consequences of extreme heroism”?
2. Although sideline characters in the Iliad, women’s role is crucial. How?
3. Explain how Achilles and Paris thematically occupy opposite end of the “heroic spectrum.”
4. What opposites does the clash between Paris and Menelaus symbolize?
5. The Greeks and Trojans almost establish a truce. Why does peace not prevail?
6. How do Paris and Achilles spatially occupy extreme positions in the Iliad (and where does Hector fall on that heroic continuum and why)?
7. What ancient practices does the scene between Diomedes and Glaucus highlight? What theme might it reinforce?
8. Comment on how the special division of the epic is also a gender division.
9. How, through Paris and Achilles, does Homer show that the two ends of the heroic spectrum curve around to meet?
10. How is Hector a true hero?
11. How is Hector more than a hero?
12. What does Homer achieve with his beautiful description of the “descent of darkness” (Heroes 112)?