THE ILIAD

The story of the wooden horse.

Aims:

To highlight important themes in Homer.

Objectives:

1. Identify some potential themes.

2. Read parts of the Iliad and discuss.

3. Analyse and discuss essay technique.

What role do you think the gods play in

the Iliad (and the Odyssey)?

Drive the Plot:

◦ The gods fill in some awkward holes in

the plot.

◦The Greeks and Trojans frequently try to

make peace but the gods prevent it.

◦Athena encourages the Trojan Pandarus

to break a truce.

Fate:

◦The gods are bound by fate.

◦The gods enforce fate.

◦Only Zeus seems to be able to dictate

fate by a nod of the head.

◦However Zeus never overrides fate

despite temptations to save his own son.

Diversity of Action:

The gods allow the author to cover other topics beyond the restrictions mortals:

◦Politics.

◦Powerful women.

◦Magic and the divine.

Comic Relief

◦ Zeus and Hera’s rocky marriage.

◦Hephaestus the crippled god.

◦The gods whinging and crying when

they get hurt.

To give insight to people & actions

◦The pathetic and childish behaviour of

the gods provides a contrast to the

nobility and sadness of humanity.

◦ Athena restrains Achilles and explains

why he chose not fight Agamemnon.

How to write an essay?

Classics Essays

Introduction:

What will be in the essay?

Main Body Paragraphs:

5 points. (4 points agreeing, 1counterpoint)

Conclusion:

Answer the Question!

Main Paragraphs:

◦Point

A significant role of the gods is to provide a humorous counterpoint to the horror of war.

◦Examples

The fight between Zeus and Hera over Thetis.

◦Analysis (explain)

The fight provides light relief for the audience after the quarrel in the council.