Homeric themes

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.