Study Questions &
Essay Topics
Study Questions
1. Nestor seems
like a minor character in the
Iliad, but he actually
plays a significant role in the development of the epic’s plot.
What are some of the ways in which the aged king propels the action
of the story? What effect does he have on the epic as a whole?
2. What is
the role of women in the
Iliad? Does the poem contain
any strong female characters, or do the acts and deeds of males
dominate the work?
3. What role
does fate play in the emotional and psychological effect of the
Iliad?
Why does Homer make his characters aware of their impending dooms?
Suggested Essay Topics
1. Is there a “heroic code” that
guides the decisions of the characters in the Iliad?
Discuss the values of the Homeric hero, paying particular attention
to contrasting characters such as Achilles, Odysseus, Paris, and
Hector. Does one character emerge as more heroic than the rest?
Does one character emerge as less heroic?
2. Discuss Homer’s portrayal
of the gods in the Iliad. What is their relationship
with mortals? With fate? Why might Homer have chosen the gods as
a frequent source of comic relief? What larger points does Homer
seem to be making by depicting the gods as he does?
3. With particular attention
to Priam and Hector, as well as to Achilles and Peleus, discuss
how the Iliad portrays relationships between fathers
and sons. In what way does ancestral loyalty affect the characters’
behavior? You may want to consider the encounter between Diomedes
and Glaucus as well. How do relationships between fathers and sons
differ from those between mothers and sons?
4. Does Achilles ultimately emerge
as a sympathetic character? Why or why not? Use examples from the
text to explain your answer.
