Paris In The Iliad

#1: What major decision does Paris make on p. 130-131? What does Hektor say to his brother to provoke this? Are you surprised at how critical Hektor is? Do you think Hektor’s feelings about Paris are shared among the Trojans? Is Paris’ decision noble or something else? On p. 130-131, Paris makes the decision to duel to the death with Menelaus. In order to provoke this, Hektor says, “So, you can’t stand up to the battling Menelaus? You’d soon feel his force, that man you robbed of his sumptuous, warm wife! […] What cowards the men of Troy – or years ago they’d have […] stoned you to death for all the wrongs you’ve done!” Hektor speaks not only for himself, but also for the entire Trojan army. They do not want to fight a second longer.

Hektor

This implies that he simply gives into Hektor’s constant plea for a fight, reflecting a sibling dynamic. Thus, Paris’ decision is less noble and more a reaction to Hektor’s complaints. Furthermore, through Paris’ lack of a direct challenge to Menelaus, it becomes apparent to readers that he does not fully intend to challenge him. Hektor knows that Paris’ challenge to Menelaus is half-hearted. Therefore, in order to ensure that Paris cannot back down, he announces this to the entire army.

#2: Why do you think Homer includes the scene of Helen describing the Achaean champions to Priam? What do you notice about Helen in this scene? Is she sincere? This is the first time we see enemies assessing one another. What is Priam’s attitude toward the Argive force? What does this show us about Priam? What would you expect his attitude to be? Homer includes the scene of Helen describing the Achaean champions to Priam in order to gauge Helen’s reactions to the champions. Furthermore, Homer also includes this scene in order to give readers an understanding of how the Trojans view the Achaeans. To begin with, it is quite odd that Priam does not mention Menelaus, and pretends not to know Agamemnon by sight. After all, he is a central figure in the Trojan War. Therefore, Priam most likely pretends not to know Agamemnon by sight in order to understand where Helen’s loyalties

At the beginning, what does Zeus say to Hera and why? What deal do they eventually strike? What does this say about Hera? What final term of the deal they strike does Athena zoom down to carry out? How, specifically, does the battle reignite? At the beginning of Book IV’s opening scene on Olympus, Zeus tells Hera that

#6: What do you think of Agamemnon’s response to Menelaus’ injury and to the opening moments of the restarted battle? Do you have a new admiration for the Argive kings or is there a flaw to spot in his words and actions? (Make sure to provide lines in your answer).

#7: What does Agamemnon say to Odysseus and Diomedes, two of his greatest warriors? Describe the specifics of his challenges. What do you make of the severity of what he says? Is this good leadership? Who else responds after Agamemnon challenges Diomedes? What is Diomedes’ counsel to his angry comrade? Agamemnon says to Odysseus and Diomedes, two of his greatest warriors,