INSTRUCTIONS
** Select passages from the Iliad that you not only quote but also explain to answer questions for each Topic #1, #2 or #3.
The Iliad paper is not a summary nor a report. No other reference is needed but your thoughtful use of Lattimore’s translation of Homer’s Iliad.
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- You will disqualify your paper if you use any other translation or online resource.
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Your paper is constructed from your choice of passages quoted (Iliad Book, verse # ; not page number) and explained in your own words.
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- For example, Iliad 3,2 refers to Iliad of Home translated by Richmond Lattimore, Book III, passage 2.
Each quoted passage is explained by you to reveal:
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- cause and effect,
- interaction of characters,
- evidence to answer questions per topic #1, #2 or #3
- reveal who uses, abuses, contests or creates harmful situations
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Maximum 6 pages per paper.
***** Be sure to give credit to Iliad of Homer translated by Richmond Lattimore (year and publisher or as pdf U Chicago. *****
Your choice of # 1, 2, or 3 as topics / themes or a mixture if you consult with me first (see also Other Possibilities below).
#1. From Iliad Books 1-10
Please select a god or goddess and explain his/her interaction with a specific human or two humans.
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- What do you learn of the specific personality of each (god/dess and human (1-2)?
- What actions serve the god/dess and are intended to harm which human(s)?
- Does the god/dess contradict or act inconsistently?
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Your evidence and support are specific passages quoted from Homer’s Iliad. (Book…, passage… such as Book 8, passage 8, lines 4-6 or Iliad VIII,8,4-6 see small numbers per passage in Lattimore’s translation); explain each quoted passage and define the personality, actions, and inconsistencies of this god of goddess. Would you trust that god/dess? Remember each answer requires evidence, specific passage quoted from Homer’s Iliad and your discussion to show how it answers these questions.
#2. From Iliad Books 8 – 21
Please select two humans and explain their interaction with a crisis or third entity, an opponent, human and/or divine.
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- What motivates each human?
- Status is based on what abilities, family, social or royal standing?
- In the movie Troy, Odysseus claims to have different gifts from the gods – which is valid to the heroes/leaders in the Iliad of Homer, and even claimed by Paris in the Iliad (Alexandros, younger son of king Priam of Troy and lover of Helen)
- Please define different goals and contrast t heir personality.
- For all of the above, please employ passages quoted from Homer’s Iliad (Book… and passage….)
#3. Books 18-24
Select two humans and explain hardship and loss, and role or interference by a specific god/dess.
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- Explain interaction,
- what is the loss per person and impact on whom?
- What is the risk or personal cost? or hardship to others?
- Whose emotions resonate, seem genuine to you and why?
- For all of the above, please employ passages quoted from Homer’s Iliad (Book… and passage….)
OTHER POSSIBILLITIES – safe to employ questions in topics #1, # 2 , or #3 to assist your content as again we do not generalize or summarize
but use specific quoted passages that show cause and effect, and reveal goals and contrasting personalities.
Goddess Thetis, Mother of Achilles surely could influence her son or save him but what is revealed in the Iliad ? Contrast her interaction and hopes against that of Hera in Books 8 and 14
Iliad of Homer, Book 18 (XVIII) 50-65 translated by Richmond Lattimore (online pdf) – Thetis’s actions , influence and sorrows and Book 1 and 19. as the greater instigator!!
Power and ultimate authority are contested in the Iliad among the gods and goddesses (employ 2 specific gods/desses) — another topic!
Books 1, 3, 4, 5, 13, 14, and who among the mortals is their ‘slave’ or firebrand or in harm’s way? (Paris, Hektor, Diomedes, Patroklos, Achilles, Helen)
Evaluate the foolish hopes and dangerous situations fostered by Menelaos, Patroklos, Achilles, Hektor, Priam, and yet the most vulnerable, Priam realized one of his goals –
Books 3, 16, 23, 24 with what gods? Employ and contrast two specific humans and their merits and demerits causing harm to others or angering specific god(s).