Iliad, Books 16-19
Book 16
- What strict condition does Achilleus command Patroklos to obey, before he lets him carry out Nestor's plan? How well does Patroklos obey, and why?
- What is Achilleus's prayer to Zeus in lines 233-248, and how does Zeus answer?
- Why is it significant that Patroklos kills Sarpedon? (Remember whose son he is.)
- How are the gods involved in Patroklos's death? Which humans bear some responsibility for his death? (See Patroklos's own words in lines 844-850.)
- Consider who and what it took to stop Patroklos's aristeia, who he had killed before he was stopped, whose friend he was, how much space is devoted to both his aristeia and his death, how Homer speaks to him (for example, lines 812 and 814), and the fact that entire next Book, 17, is devoted to the battle for the recovery of his body, how do you think Homer wants us to feel about Patroklos? How important is he to the story? Why?
Book 17
- What more do we learn about Menelaos in lines 30-32?
- Why does Euphorbos die? (Remember the death of Pandaros in Book 5 and Dolon's desire for Achilleus's goods in Book 10)
- Mention four things which Aias does to help the Achaians in this Book.
Book 18
- In lines 105-113, how does Achilleus describe the anger that has consumed him? How does this help us understand his response to Agamemnon in Book 9?
- How does Achilleus help the Achaians even before receiving his new armor?
- The Shield of Achilleus: note what things--and what *sorts* of things--are on it, and how it is layed out. What is it representing? (Here are two attempts at depicting it.)
- If we think of the Shield as an epic simile, what does it tell us about life in Homer's day? What kinds of things receive attention? What else can you deduce about Homer's worldview from this picture?
Book 19
- In lines 86-90, who does Agamemon blame for his actions in Book one? Why then, in lines 137-138, does he offer to make restitution?
- How are Achilleus and Agamemnon finally reconciled?
- Lines 290-300: Why does Briseis weep for Patroklos? What had he promised her, and why might that have been a comfort to her?
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