1. The Iliad Parthenon

2. 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.

3. More Background Information Iliad was written by a blind poet named Homer Tells the Greek myth of Trojan War Follows the rage of Achilles and his revenge against Hector, who killed his best friend, Patroklos Translations usually run close to 600 pages 24 books to the Iliad

4. 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

5. Why is the Iliad Important? 1 st 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

6. Why is it Famous? GodsInteresting and strong vocabulary BloodTender love scenes (for the ladies) Action Heroic combat RevengeDramatic characteri- zations 1 st time the flashback is used in writing Goddesses Greek’s code of ethics-- honor Honor is how the world sees characters AdventureVivid characters with personality Pushes the audience to question itself

7. Theme #1: Fate vs. Free Will Gods repeatedly interfere Mortals make important choices Zeus determines much of fate But even Zeus is subject to a higher power

8. Theme #2: Hubris Important to all Greek literature Ruin and greatness Pride is directly related to heroic action Contrast of humility of such as the hero of Christianity

9. Theme #3: Arete Pursuit of excellence Great deeds will bring glory Glory will outlive the hero There is no afterlife; what happens now is what counts The living will remember what is done today

10. Theme #4: Glorious Battle vs. Horrific War Brings out the best in heroes Strength Courage Loyalty Brings out the worst in men Carnage Cruelty

11. Tragedy Tragedy is a type of drama or literature that shows the downfall of an outstanding person A 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).

12. Tragic Hero choicecircumstances Through choice or through circumstances, the tragic hero is caught up in a sequence of events that inevitably result in disaster The audience reacts with mixed emotions: pity and fear Often has insight and realizes his flaw before others Mortal, vulnerable, and usually a high social status

13. Aristocratic Ideals in 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

14. Styles and Formats of Writing

15. Poetry vs. Prose Has rhyme Has rhythm Easy to memorize due to rhyme and meter Iliad is a poem All other types of writing

16. Iliad as Poetry Epic Poem: a long narrative that tells the deeds and adventures of a hero How is the Iliad organized? 24 books or chapters Each one stands for a letter in the Greek alphabet

17. Homer’s Writing Styles? Invoking the muse In medias res Epic simileStock epithet Dramatic ironyFlashback

18. 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

19. In Media Res “In the middle of” Story begins in the middle of action rather than an introduction

20. Epic Simile Also known as a Homeric simile An extended simile that often runs several lines Typically intensifies the heroic stature of the subject and provides detail

21. Stock Epithet An adjective-noun combination that helps the audience follow a narrative Similar to a nickname “Thetis of the silver feet”

22. 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

23. 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

24. Flashback—The How How is it used? 1. A character’s memory or recollection 2. Part of the story told by another character 3. A dream or daydream

25. Flashback—The Why To show what motivates a character Supply background information in a dramatic way

26. The Other Homer Don’t be confused.