Characters
Achilles
Who is the central Greek hero of the Iliad?
Rage
What is the primary vice depicted in Achilles’ character arc?
A snake coiled in its den.
What does Hector’s preparation for battle in the Iliad compare him to?
Athena
Which goddess consistently supports Odysseus?
Agamemnon takes Briseis from him.
What sparks Achilles’ anger at the beginning of the Iliad?
Penelope
Who is the faithful wife of Odysseus?
The sacred bond and mutual obligations between host and guest.
In the Odyssey, what does the theme of xenia represent?
Like a man longing to see the smoke rising from his homeland.
In the Odyssey, how is Odysseus’ longing for home described?
Poseidon
Which god is angered by Odysseus’ blinding of the Cyclops Polyphemus?
She asks him to describe their marriage bed, which cannot be moved.
What test does Penelope use to confirm Odysseus’ identity?
Hector
Which Trojan warrior is known for his love of family and sense of duty?
The futility of vengeance and the power of reconciliation.
What lesson does Achilles learn through his encounter with Priam in Book 24?
It is likened to eagles swooping down on their prey.
How is the slaughter of the suitors in the Odyssey compared to nature?
By balancing divine intervention with the mortals’ free will, such as sending omens or approving prophecies.
How does Zeus ensure the fulfillment of fate in the Iliad?
It seals Troy’s fate, as its greatest defender has fallen.
How does Hector’s death mark a turning point in the Iliad?
It causes Poseidon to seek vengeance on Odysseus, prolonging his journey home.
How does Polyphemus’ blindness influence the plot of the Odyssey?
It illustrates the danger of succumbing to alluring distractions that can derail one’s journey or purpose.
How does Odysseus’ encounter with the Sirens reflect the theme of temptation?
They highlight the uncontrollable, consuming nature of conflict, equating the chaos of battle to natural disasters.
How do Homer’s similes of storms and fire in the Iliad emphasize the themes of war and destruction?
Her role as a guide and protector, helping Telemachus and Odysseus to grow into their leadership roles.
What does Athena’s disguise as Mentor symbolize in the Odyssey?
It illustrates his ability to negotiate and adapt, as he secures her help rather than falling victim to her spells.
Why is Odysseus’ encounter with Circe significant in the Odyssey?
Agamemnon demonstrates pride and arrogance, prioritizing personal gain over unity, while Odysseus embodies strategic thinking and adaptability, focusing on achieving his goals through wit and perseverance.
Compare and contrast the leadership qualities of Agamemnon and Odysseus.
The Iliad shows how pride leads to division, death, and loss (e.g., Achilles’ refusal to fight), while the Odyssey demonstrates how loyalty, as seen in Penelope’s faithfulness and Odysseus’ determination to return home, restores order and relationships.
Compare the Iliad’s exploration of the destructive nature of pride with the Odyssey’s depiction of the restorative power of loyalty.
They use earthly imagery (e.g., lions, storms, and fire) to ground the actions of heroes and gods, illustrating the parallels between human struggles and cosmic forces.
How do Homer’s epic similes bridge the mortal and divine in both the Iliad and Odyssey?
The gods manipulate events to fulfill fate, yet mortals often make choices that align with or defy divine plans, suggesting a complex interplay between destiny and personal agency.
How do the gods’ interventions reflect the moral ambiguity of fate and free will in the Iliad?
Achilles’ heroism is rooted in personal glory and martial excellence, emphasizing the destructive cost of pride, while Odysseus’ heroism centers on perseverance, cunning, and restoration, showcasing the redemptive power of loyalty and wit.
How do Achilles’ and Odysseus’ respective journeys reflect contrasting views on heroism in the Iliad and Odyssey?