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Week 3,4 CLAS 280
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Week 3,4 CLAS 280
Achilles and Agamemnon in The Iliad
Study
1
Question
Why does Agamemnon finally relent in his feud with Achilles?
Answer
Agamemnon's change of heart in The Iliad Book 9 is influenced by the deteriorating situation on the battlefield. The Trojans, led by Hector, are pushing the Greeks (Achaeans) back to their ships, causing severe losses. Agamemnon realizes that without Achilles, the Greeks will likely face defeat. Additionally, his decision is influenced by the pressure from other Greek leaders who understand that Achilles' prowess in battle is crucial for their survival.
2
Question
What does Agamemnon offer Achilles to persuade him to rejoin the fight?
Answer
Agamemnon sends an embassy to Achilles with an offer of lavish gifts, including the return of Briseis, to persuade him to rejoin the fight.
3
Question
What arguments are made by the embassy sent by Agamemnon to persuade Achilles to return to battle?
Answer
The embassy, composed of Odysseus, Phoenix, and Ajax, tries to persuade Achilles with various arguments. Odysseus appeals to Achilles' sense of duty and heroism, emphasizing the dire situation of the Greeks and the honors and rewards Agamemnon offers. Phoenix appeals to their shared history, recalling Achilles' upbringing and emphasizing forgiveness and the glory that awaits him. Ajax, being the bluntest, focuses on the practical side, urging Achilles to put aside his anger and help his comrades.
4
Question
How does Achilles respond to the embassy's arguments?
Answer
Achilles refuses the embassy's offers. His pride and anger toward Agamemnon remain dominant, and he expresses his desire to leave the war altogether, questioning the value of glory if it comes at the cost of his life.
5
Question
What is the significance of Achilles playing the lyre in the scene?
Answer
Achilles playing the lyre when the embassy finds him in his tent is significant as it contrasts sharply with the image of the fierce warrior. It reveals a more contemplative, perhaps even melancholic side of Achilles, reflecting on his fate and the nature of heroism. This moment humanizes Achilles and shows that his mind is not consumed solely with war.
6
Question
How does Achilles' outlook on life and death change throughout the poem?
Answer
While Achilles' anger toward Agamemnon is still present, his outlook on life and death has become more philosophical, hinting at the tragedy of his inevitable fate.
7
Question
What plan does Nestor propose to Patroclus in response to the difficulties faced by the Greeks?
Answer
Nestor suggests that Patroclus should wear Achilles' armor and lead the Myrmidons into battle, hoping that the sight of Achilles will inspire the Greeks and terrify the Trojans.
8
Question
Why does Nestor find his plan compelling?
Answer
Nestor likely finds this plan compelling because it allows the Greeks to take advantage of Achilles' absence without violating his pride. It also keeps hope alive for the Greeks by making the Trojans believe Achilles has returned, even if temporarily.
9
Question
What tragic events occur in Cleomedes' story?
Answer
Cleomedes, a boxer from Astypalaea, kills his opponent Iccus during an Olympic match, leading to a ruling of foul play against him. Driven mad by grief, he attacks a school, causing the deaths of about sixty children. He then seeks refuge in the sanctuary of Athena, where he mysteriously disappears.
10
Question
What does the Oracle of Delphi declare about Cleomedes after his actions?
Answer
The Pythian priestess declares that Cleomedes is no longer mortal but the last of heroes and should be honored with sacrifices as a hero.
11
Question
What does Cleomedes' story illustrate about ancient Greek concepts of heroism?
Answer
Cleomedes' story illustrates that ancient Greek concepts of heroism could encompass both noble and destructive qualities, as even flawed individuals could be revered posthumously.
12
Question
What are the main themes in the analysis of Cleomedes' story?
Answer
1. Cleomedes as a Tragic Figure: His descent reflects personal unraveling. 2. Heroic Status and Divine Intervention: His transformation shows how heroism can encompass flaws. 3. Hero Cults in Ancient Greece: Illustrates the practice of honoring individuals as heroes despite morally ambiguous actions.
13
Question
What events lead to the quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon in Book 1?
Answer
The epic begins with a plague afflicting the Greek army, sent by Apollo in response to Agamemnon's refusal to return Chryseis, a captured woman. Under pressure, Agamemnon agrees to return her but demands Achilles' prize, Briseis, as compensation.
14
Question
How does Achilles' wrath impact the Greek army?
Answer
Achilles' rage drives much of the conflict and leads to significant consequences for the Greeks, resulting in their losses on the battlefield.
15
Question
What is Zeus' role in the battles between Greeks and Trojans?
Answer
Zeus sends a false dream to Agamemnon suggesting conquest, and later forbids the gods from intervening in the war, tipping the balance in favor of the Trojans.
16
Question
How does the absence of Achilles affect the Greek army's performance?
Answer
Without Achilles, the Greeks face setbacks and rely on other warriors like Diomedes, while the Trojan hero Hector stands out as a noble figure.
17
Question
What does Agamemnon's desperation indicate by Book 9?
Answer
Agamemnon's desperation, prompted by the Greeks' significant losses, leads him to consider how to bring Achilles back into the war, resulting in his plea in Book 9.
18
Question
What does Achilles begin to reflect on in Book 9?
Answer
Achilles begins to reflect on the futility of glory if it means sacrificing his life, marking a philosophical shift from his earlier wrathful self.
19
Question
What does Nestor advise Patroclus to do with Achilles' armor?
Answer
Nestor advises Patroclus to wear Achilles' armor and lead the Myrmidons into battle to help bolster the morale of the Greeks.
20
Question
What significant transformation occurs in Achilles by the end of Book 9?
Answer
Achilles' shift from a warrior consumed by anger to a more reflective figure indicates a growing sense of alienation and existential contemplation.
21
Question
What is Hera's plan in Book 14 of The Iliad?
Answer
Hera devises a plan to seduce Zeus and distract him from aiding the Trojans, enlisting the help of Aphrodite to make her irresistible to Zeus.
22
Question
What happens after Zeus is seduced by Hera?
Answer
Once Zeus is seduced, Hera puts him into a deep sleep, allowing Poseidon to aid the Greeks.
23
Question
What is the outcome of Poseidon's intervention in Book 14?
Answer
With Poseidon's intervention, the Greek forces rally, pushing the Trojans back.
24
Question
What is Zeus's reaction when he awakens in Book 15?
Answer
Zeus is enraged upon realizing that Hera deceived him.
25
Question
What does Zeus order Apollo to do in Book 15?
Answer
Zeus orders Apollo to revive Hector, leading to the Trojans advancing again and pushing the Greeks back toward their ships.
26
Question
How does Patroclus persuade Achilles to let him enter battle in Book 16?
Answer
Patroclus proposes to don Achilles armor and lead the Myrmidons into battle in Achilles's stead, allowing Achilles to help the Greeks without directly engaging in combat.
27
Question
What does Patroclus achieve in battle in Book 16?
Answer
Patroclus drives the Trojans back from the ships, killing many including Zeus's son Sarpedon.
28
Question
What ultimately happens to Patroclus in Book 16?
Answer
Patroclus is confronted by Apollo, who wounds him, and Hector kills him in battle, mistakenly believing he has slain Achilles.
29
Question
What is Achilles's reaction to Patroclus's death in Book 18?
Answer
Achilles is consumed with grief and rage, vowing to kill Hector in revenge.
30
Question
What does Thetis promise Achilles after Patroclus's death?
Answer
Thetis promises to provide Achilles with new armor forged by the god Hephaestus.