Reading/Questions for Homer, The Iliad, Books 16,18, 19

NOTE: We'll be spending two more weeks on The Iliad before moving on, so keep reading and finish it as soon as you can. Don't forget about your Paper #1 assignment, which will also be due very soon (a few posts down)! 

Answer TWO of the following: 

Q1: How does Patroclus compare as a hero to Achilles?  While Patroclus is clearly not Achilles’ equal, how does the book contrast him with his more famous friend?  What sentiments/ideas does Patroclus represent that runs counter to Achilles? 

Q2: How heroic or honorable does Hector appear in his battle with Patroclus?  Is Hector the “good” hero as opposed to the “bad” Achilles?  Are we rooting for him?  Does he act in accordance to the values of heroism in our culture?  Does the poet celebrate his victory—or does he, too, betray the code of honor in some way? 

Q3: In Book 9, Phoenix warns Achilles that “if you go into battle without any gifts/Your honor will be less, save us or not” (68).  When Achilles finally decide to fight in Book 18, is this seen as an honorable decision?  Has he ‘saved’ his honor?  What explanation does he offer for abandoning his grudge against Agamemnon?  Is it enough? 

Q4: In Book 19 Briseis finally gets to speak: what does she say and how does it define her as a character?  What do we learn about her (and her relationship with Achilles), and how does she compare to the other speaking women—Helen and Andromache?