Iliad

 

New Vocabulary Words:

Contrived

Conceivable

Scrutinize

Nebulous

Specious

Undictiveness

Deride

Inscrutable

Palimpest

Multifarious

Study Questions for Books 1-4

1) How are the gods represents, and how does the divine condition compare with the human condition?

2) How influential are the gods on human action?  Compare especially the council of heroes in Book 1 with that of the gods.

3) What is the dream sent by Zeus and what is Agamemnon's response?

4) What are Aphrodite's interventions, and Paris and Helen's response in Book 3?

5) Are there distinctions drawn between the Greeks and the Trojans?  Does Homer take sides in his representation of the heroes?  Which group is portrayed more favorably?  

6) Write a brief summary of these first four books (chapters).  What major theme seems to be presented?