Iliad Flashcards
(28 cards)
What aspects of Greek culture show their disunity?
No single term for “greek”, no set birthplace of Homer, Iliad written in a poetic dialect
Why were the palaces described anachronistic?
They had been great centers but collapsed long before Homer’s time
Why were chariots anachronistic?
While they were used in battle, not like they are described. They would be used like taxis, not driven around in the actual battle.
Why was the manner of burial anachronistic?
In Homer’s works, bodies are cremated. In ancient times, they would’ve been buried.
How does the Greek and Trojan culture compare?
They are virtually the same, with no discernible differences.
How do the similarities of Greek and Trojan culture manifest in Homer?
He treats them each with the same respect. It is as much a tragedy of Hector as it is of Achilles.
What is the distinction between shame and guilt?
Shame is defined by external judgement; guilt by internal judgement
Does the Iliad typically employ shame culture or guilt culture?
Shame culture
How were epic poems typically both new and old at the same time?
They were memorized and recited. Each time, the story would remain the same, having been passed down; but the exact wording would change
What were the formulae of epic poetry?
They were building blocks – e.g. epithets, which corresponded to a specific context and meter within a line and within the text.
How does word order come into play in epic poetry?
Because the word order of ancient Greek was not set, where a poet would place a word signified its important. (e.g., “anger” at the beginning of the Iliad)
Why are beginnings important?
They are dramatic and they set the tone
Why are the two results of endings?
Endings can both pull together and split apart
What is the main theme of the Iliad?
It is the journey of Achilles’ anger and his journey back to being human
What did Aristotle think about anger?
It turns men either into beats or Gods
How does Achilles’ fulfill Aristotle’s view of anger?
Achilles is as close to a god as a mortal can be (parentage, ability), and he is brought to be incredibly beast-like when Patroclus dies
What does burial act as a barrier between?
Gods, humans, animals
What kind of an emotion is Anger?
It is an antisocial emotion
How does anger cause Achilles to become antisocial?
He refuses the social customs of gift-giving and burial
How does Achilles’ knowledge of his fate affect his place in society?
By knowing his two potential fates, he is placed out of society – Hector, by comparison, knows his fate is to fight and die or win (he’s in it for the long haul).
Who is Achilles angry with throughout the poem?
Anger against Agamemnon turns into anger against Hector
How is Achilles’ anger finally resolved?
Through pity and empathy (by Priam)
What is the parallel between Achilles, Agamemnon, and Nestor; and Hera, Zeus, and Hephaestus?
Achilles and Agamemnon are angry at each other, and Nestor makes a speech to try and calm them. Hera and Zeus are also angry at each other, and Hephaestus also makes a speech to try and calm them
What is different between Achilles, Agamemnon, and Nestor; and Hera, Zeus, and Hephaestus?
They are mortals, not immortals. Immortals can just laugh off a conflict, the stakes are not as high.
