The Iliad: Book 17 Flashcards
World of the Hero (MSD) (11 cards)
Summary
A fierce battle erupts over Patroclus’ corpse, with both sides determined to claim it.
Menelaus and Ajax defend the body, showing great bravery.
Hector strips Patroclus of Achilles’ armour, claiming it as a prize.
The Greeks manage to retrieve the body, thanks to Ajax’s defence.
Mourning begins for Patroclus, and Achilles is grief-stricken.
What structural feature defines the narrative of Book 17?
Patroclus’ body becomes a symbolic centre of honour and identity as the story revolves around a prolonged, chaotic battle over it.
How is imagery used to describe Patroclus’ body?
It is likened to a hunted prize, showing how the dead body becomes a valued and contested object.
What is the style of the similes in Book 17?
The similes are vivid and dynamic, capturing the momentum, chaos, and intensity of the battle.
How are speeches used in this book?
Speeches are scarce, with the emphasis placed on physical action and conflict rather than dialogue.
Why is Patroclus’ body fought over so fiercely?
Because in the heroic world, a fallen warrior’s body represents his glory, and honour in death is as important as in life.
How is loyalty demonstrated in Book 17?
Menelaus and Ajax defend Patroclus’ body with courage and persistence, showing loyalty to both him and Achilles.
What is the significance of Hector stealing Achilles’ armour?
It results in mistaken identity, as Hector now physically resembles Achilles, blurring lines between appearance and true heroic status.
What is the cultural significance of burial customs in Book 17?
The lack of proper burial rites threatens the soul’s peace in the afterlife, emphasising the importance of funerary rituals in Greek culture.
How do the gods act in Book 17?
Immortals like Apollo intervene tactically, supporting their favourites, but their actions are strategic rather than emotional.
What does armour represent in this context?
Armour functions as a status symbol, reflecting both heroic identity and divine favour.
