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HOMERThemes in the Iliad.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Aims:
To introduce important themes in the Iliad.
Objectives:
1. To identify the 5 most important themes in the Iliad.
2. To discuss the 5 themes and associated terms.
3. To evaluate the relevance of these themes by looking at exam
questions.
CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS HERO?
Achilles binds Patroclos’ wounds. Red
Figure Pot 500 BCAchilles fights Hector Red Figure Pot 490 BC
1. HEROIC VALUES
Kleos:
• Translates as ‘glory’ or ‘what others say about you’
• Heros constantly try to gain Kleos through fighting.
Time:
• Translates as ‘honour’ or ‘esteem’.
• Heros are always after recognition of their greatness.
• They are grossly offended when not correctly acknowledged.
• Modern
statue of
the
Fates.
2. FATE
• Various figures are ruled by a fate that they are aware of.
• Famously Achilles can choose between long life or eternal glory.
• Hector is also aware of his eventual fate.
• Fate is enforced by the gods. Is it the same as the will of Zeus?
• However Homer is not consistent. Fate can change.
• Death is fixed by fate but the manner of it is your own choosing.
• Red figure
vase of a
Symposium
by the
Nicias
painter. 4th
Century BC
3. LITERARY TECHNIQUES
• Structure. Is the Iliad chronological? Why does it move around?
• Characterisation. How does Homer portray a hero’s personality?
• Speeches. A chance for the poet to speak in character?
• Repetition. A memory technique.
• Heroic similes and metaphors. Purpose and meaning.
• Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory. Is the whole book allegorical?
• Black figure
pot of
Neoptolemus
killing Priam.
520 BC
4. HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS
• Marriage – The role of women as tragic figures. Helen of Troy.
• Old men – Their wisdom and suffering. King Priam and Achilles.
• Leadership and Status – Agamemnon and Achilles quarrel.
• Platonic Love? – Achilles and Patroclos.
• Traditional interactions - Guest Friendship (Xenia) Diomedes and
Glaucos.
Red Figure Pot
showing Apollo C5
BCZeus of Smyrna
The kidnapping of Thetis Red
Figure Pot C5 BC
5. THE GODS
• The Gods have human characteristics. Drinking, cheating and
squabbling.
• Divine intervention. The gods intervene to help their favourites.
• The relationship with humans. Playthings? Aphrodite and Helen.
• Divine morality. Some argue that the gods are portrayed as spoilt
children and worthy of fear but not respect or trust.
• Does immortality rob the gods of honour and bravery?
SOME ESSAY QUESTIONS
• ‘Mortal women are always in the background in Homer.’ To what extent
do you agree with this statement.
• How important are old men in the Iliad?
• Do think the Iliad would be weakened if the immortals were removed
from the story?
• In the Iliad fate makes all the actions of mortal and immortal
characters pointless. Discuss.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Aims:
To introduce important themes in the Iliad.
Objectives:
1. To identify the 5 most important themes in the Iliad.
2. To discuss the 5 themes and associated terms.
3. To evaluate the relevance of these themes by looking at exam
questions.
