SEPTEMBER 18, 19, 20: THE ILIAD: ACHILLEUS' ANGER, PART TWO/LESSONS LEARNED?
READINGS (Monday class, Sept. 18): the Iliad, books 20-22 , Iliad, pp. 404-49 (Consult the Cast of Characters and the Outline of the Plot ; Read the Commentary on Books 20-22)
READINGS (Tuesday night class, Sept. 19): the Iliad, books 20-24, pp. 404-96 (Consult the Cast of Characters and the Outline of the Plot ; Read the Commentary on Books 20-22 and on Books 23-24)
READINGS (Wednesday class, Sept. 20): the Iliad, books 23-24, pp. 450-96 (Read the Commentary on books 23 and 24)
Summary: As we read about Achilleus' rampage on the battlefield and his brutal slaying of Hektor, our discussion will explore Achilleus’ anger, its links with the repeated references to Patroklos’ death, his own destiny, and his efforts to be like the immortal gods. Is he simply driven by a thirst for revenge? Or are there deeper reasons for his wrath? What makes one man's anger an appropriate subject for a poem of this length and scope? Finally, we will end our discussion of the Iliad by considering how Homer brings the poem to a close. Is Achilleus’ anger finally appeased? Are there “lessons” in the final sections for the characters - and for the audience - of the Iliad?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: INTERPRETING AND APPRECIATING THE ILIAD
BOOKS 20-22
-What fuels Achilleus' anger on the battlefield (20.455-21.135)?
-What is the significance of Achilleus' battle with the river?
-Compare the battles of the gods in book 21 with Achilleus' exploits on the battlefield.  Consider Apollo’s description of mortals (21.462-467).  How does he contrast mortals and immortals?  Is this contrast reinforced by Homer’s presentation of the battles of men and the battles of the gods?
-Read closely the beginning of book 22: the appeals of Hektor’s parents, Hektor’s own reflections, and Homer’s description of Achilleus’ pursuit of Hektor.  How does Homer dramatize this scene and make it particularly moving?  How does Homer link the death of Hektor to the fall of Troy?
-What is the importance of Hektor's last words (22.356-60)?
BOOKS 23-24
-How does the funeral of Patroklos foreshadow Achilleus' own funeral?
-Who were the favorites in the chariot race (23.261-623)?  How did each of the contestants finish?  What prizes did they receive?  Explain the outcome and the distribution of prizes.
-What is the significance of the way Achilleus resolves quarrels and handles the distribution of prizes for the chariot race?  Why do you think Homer makes this episode so complicated?
-How are these games related to the "real" actions of the Homeric warriors?
-What is the importance of the funeral games for Patroklos to the plot and themes of the Iliad?
-Does Achilleus' anger subside in book 24?  Find evidence to explain why you believe his anger does or does not subside.
-Why does Apollo condemn Achilleus' treatment of Hektor's body (24.33-54)?
-Why does Priam's speech (24.486-506) move Achilleus?
-Why does Achilleus tell the story of the URNS OF ZEUS (24.523-33)?  What is the point of the story? Do you agree with Achilleus' interpretation of the story?  Do you think Homer does?  How can you answer that question?
-What is the story of NIOBE (24.601-613)?  Why does Achilleus tell it?  How do you think the story relates to the Iliad?
-Are you satisfied by the ending of the poem?  I'm not asking if you're glad it's finally over!

Iliad: plot summary
Iliad: commentary on books 16-22
Iliad: commentary on books 23-24
NEXT CLASS: TEST 1 (Sept. 25/26)
SCHEDULE OF READINGS (Monday/Wednesday)
SCHEDULE OF READINGS (Tuesday night)
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