The Iliad

Parthenon

What is the Iliad?

A long, narrative poem in dactylic hexameter Dactylic: stressed followed by two

unstressed syllables Hexameter: six feet

It was originally spoken not read.Combines history, legends, and religion of ancient Greece.

More Background Information

Iliad was written by a blind poet named HomerTells the Greek myth of Trojan War Follows the rage of Achilles and his revenge against Hector, who killed his best friend, PatroklosTranslations usually run close to 600 pages24 books to the Iliad

Basic Review

Question: What does Iliad mean? Answer: Illium or of Troy

Question: What is the story about? Answer: Achilles’ anger in the Trojan

War

Question: How old is the story? Answer: 1230 B.C.

Question: Who wrote it? Answer: Homer, a blind poet

Why is the Iliad Important?

1st great work of Western literature

Documents the history of man

Tells of Greek mythology and religion

Relays the Greek society

Examines Greek policies and government

Provides a description of Troy

Why is it Famous?

Gods Interesting and strong

vocabulary

Blood Tender love

scenes (for the ladies)

Action

Heroic combat

Revenge Dramatic characteri-zations

1st time the

flashback is used in

writing

Goddesses

Greek’s code of ethics-- honor

Honor is how the

world sees characters

Adventure Vivid character

s with personalit

y

Pushes the audience

to question

itself

Theme #1: Fate vs. Free Will

Gods repeatedly interfereMortals make important choicesZeus determines much of fateBut even Zeus is subject to a higher power

Theme #2: Hubris

Important to all Greek literatureRuin and greatnessPride is directly related to heroic actionContrast of humility of such as the hero of Christianity

Theme #3: Arete

Pursuit of excellenceGreat deeds will bring gloryGlory will outlive the heroThere is no afterlife; what happens now is what countsThe living will remember what is done today

Theme #4: Glorious Battle vs. Horrific War

Brings out the best in heroes Strength Courage Loyalty

Brings out the worst in men Carnage Cruelty

TragedyTragedy is a type of drama or literature that shows the downfall of an outstanding personA tragic hero is traditionally one who commits an action leading to his or her defeat after seeing the root of his own downfall.A tragic flaw is the weakness which causes the hero’s downfall (anger, greed, ambition, arrogance).

Tragic Hero

Through choicechoice or through circumstancescircumstances, the tragic hero is caught up in a sequence of events that inevitably result in disasterThe audience reacts with mixed emotions: pity and fearOften has insight and realizes his flaw before othersMortal, vulnerable, and usually a high social status

Aristocratic Idealsin Ancient Greece

Fame: aim for high status for recognition

Competition: compete for prestige

Drive: fear of failure and humiliation

Loyalty: responsibility to friends & family

Wealth: the by-product of power and a sign of success

Camaraderie: membership in exclusive group/respect

Intelligence: aid to action

Beauty: commands status

Genetics: proof of ability and incentive

Styles and Formats of Writing

Poetry vs. Prose

Has rhymeHas rhythmEasy to memorize due to rhyme and meter Iliad is a poem

All other types of writing

Iliad as Poetry

Epic Poem: a long narrative that tells the deeds and adventures of a heroHow is the Iliad organized? 24 books or chapters Each one stands for a letter in the

Greek alphabet

Homer’s Writing Styles?

Invoking the muse In medias resEpic simile Stock epithet Dramatic ironyFlashback

Invoking the Muse

Homer asks the muse for inspiration

Implies that knowledge does not come from him; rather, he is only the voice channeling it

In Media Res

“In the middle of”

Story begins in the middle of action rather than an introduction

Epic Simile

Also known as a Homeric simileAn extended simile that often runs several linesTypically intensifies the heroic stature of the subject and provides detail

Stock Epithet

An adjective-noun combination that helps the audience follow a narrativeSimilar to a nickname“Thetis of the silver feet”

Dramatic Irony

When the reader or audience knows more than the characters in the story

The reader or audience can see a character’s mistakes, but the character cannot

Flashback—The What

A flashback is a section of literary work that interrupts the sequence of events to relate an event from an earlier time

Flashback—The How

How is it used?1. A character’s memory or

recollection2. Part of the story told by another

character3. A dream or daydream

Flashback—The Why

To show what motivates a character

Supply background information in a dramatic way

The Other Homer

Don’t be confused.