Book I

RAGE:
Sing, Goddess, Achilles' rage,
Black and murderous, that cost the Greeks
Incalculable pain, pitched countless souls
Of heroes into Hades' dark,
And left their bodies to rot as feasts
For dogs and birds, as Zeus' will was done.
Begin with the clash between Agamemnon--
The Greek warlord--and godlike Achilles.

These first 8 lines are a masterpiece of poetic compression; every word counts. Can you tell from these lines what the epic is about? What thematic concerns are introduced?

Study the words and actions of Agamemnon carefully. What is the basis of his authority?

Note how Agamemnon. and Achilles bait each other. Note how they talk about women. With which combatant do you side? Does either have justice on his side? Why is Briseis important?

Book 22

How do Hecuba and Priam attempt to persuade Hector to withdraw? Why does he refuse? What does Hector realize about himself?

How do you feel about Hector, Achilles, and the other Achaeans during Hector's death and shortly after?

Book 24

Why does Achilles surrender Hector? How do Priam and Achilles console one another and bring each other back to humanity? Do you think that Achilles has grown as an individual and learned wisdom about himself and the world, or is he the same Achilles as before?