What type of genre is The Illiad?

Reminder: All answers must paraphrased (in your own words) and not copy/pasted from the internet. Cite any sources or websites that you used in researching your work. Be sure your response is written in Academic English. If needed, refer to the section on Academic English in Orientation.

Part A

Directions: Conduct research and answer each of the following questions.

A. What type of genre is The Illiad?

B. Explain the theories of ‘unitarianism’ and ‘expansion’ as these relate to the authorship of The Illiad.

Part B – Books 1-10

Directions: Answer each of the following questions.

(1) Why are the Greeks and Trojans fighting?

(2) How does Priam (Alexandros) behave in the following situations:

____a. When the Greeks and Trojans met in battle?

____b. When Menalaos accepts his offer?

____c. When he sees Helen?

____d. When Hector shames him?

(3) What kind of person is Paris?

(4) Which gods fight for the Greeks? Which fight for Troy? Why?

(5) Briefly describe Hector’s visit with his wife and child. Why is it hard for him to return to battle? Why does he go?

(6) How do the Greeks try to protect their ships? What is their fear?

(7) Why do the three envoys visit Achilles? What arguments do they present? How does Achilles respond to them?

Part C – Books 11-24

Directions: Answer each of the following questions.

(1) Briefly describe how Agamemnon, Diomedes, and Odysseus become wounded. Who is winning at the end of this day’s battle?

(2) Why does Patroclus want to enter the war? What is Achilles’ reaction?

(3) What is Achilles’ reaction after Patroclus’ death?

(4) Why is it important for Achilles and Agamemnon to reconcile publicly?

(5) What hardships have resulted from Achilles’ anger?

(6) How does the tide of war change after Achilles enters the war?

(7) How does Achilles honor Patroclus and dishonor Hector?

(8) Why do the gods interfere with Achilles’ plans for Hector’s body?

(9) What are the results of Priam’s meeting with Achilles? Why?

(10) The Iliad ends without total victory for the Greeks. Why?

(11) Contrast Hector and Achilles. Which do you like better? Why?

(12) In your opinion, is Achilles any different at the end of the story than he was at the beginning? Explain.

Part D – Greek Gods

Directions: Follow each step below to complete the assignment.

Step 1. Choose the name of a Greek god who appears in the Iliad.

Step 2. Find out as much about the god or goddess as you can.

Step 3. Write a short exposition about the god’s exploits.