Iliad Chapters 22 & 24 Summary

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Questions and Answers

In Iliad 22, what primary motivation prevents Hector from retreating inside Troy's walls, aligning with a viewpoint he expressed earlier?

A prophecy foretold his death at the hands of Achilles, making his location irrelevant.
Priam's orders explicitly forbade him from retreating, fearing a siege if the army fell back.
His soldiers' loyalty depended on him facing Achilles, preventing a potential mutiny.
The shame associated with avoiding battle and the dishonor it would bring prevents him from retreating (correct)

How does Zeus's internal debate regarding Hector's fate in Iliad 22, mirror a previous instance of divine contemplation, and what distinguishes this new moment?

It resembles his choice not to interfere in the duel between Menelaus and Paris, differing in that Athena now urges intervention.
It mirrors his contemplation over Sarpedon’s fate, differing in that Zeus now feels more constrained by fate. (correct)
It echoes his consideration of saving Paris, differing because now Hera strongly supports Hector.
It reflects his regret over Troy's impending doom, differing in that Poseidon now supports the Trojans.

What critical negotiation does Hector attempt with Achilles before their duel concludes, and how does Achilles respond?

Hector requests single combat with the winner taking all spoils, including prisoners, but Achilles insists on a full-scale battle.
Hector proposes a truce where both armies retreat and Troy remains unconquered, but Achilles demands the city's unconditional surrender.
Hector seeks assurance that his body will be returned to Troy for proper burial, but Achilles adamantly refuses, driven by vengeance (correct)
Hector offers Achilles a substantial ransom for Patroclus's body, which Achilles accepts, vowing to return it respectfully.

Following Hector's death in Iliad 22, how do the Achaean warriors and Achilles specifically desecrate his body, showcasing the brutality of war?

The Achaeans strip Hector of his armor and display it as a trophy, while Achilles ties Hector's feet to his chariot and drags him around Patroclus's tomb. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In Iliad 24, how does Apollo intervene to protect Hector's body, and to what earlier scene does this divine intervention allude?

Apollo anoints Hector's body with ambrosia, preventing decay, similar to Thetis preserving Patroclus. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to speeches in Iliad 24, what specific human practices do the gods value, influencing Zeus to facilitate the return of Hector's body?

The gods value sacrifices and offerings, influencing Zeus to ensure Hector's body is ransomed. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what manner does Zeus orchestrate the return of Hector's body in Iliad 24, ensuring minimal divine interference to respect mortal agency?

Zeus sends Iris to advise Priam and Hermes to escort him, while directing Thetis to influence Achilles, avoiding direct intervention (B) Signup and view all the answers

What disguise does Hermes assume to guide Priam into the Achaean camp, facilitating his mission to retrieve Hector's body, and how does Priam initially react to this encounter?

Hermes disguises himself as a young Achaean soldier, impressing Priam with Hector's untouched corpse. (B) Signup and view all the answers

As Priam enters Achilles' shelter, what actions does he take to appeal to Achilles' emotions, and what simile is used to describe Achilles' resulting reaction?

Priam prostrates himself, kissing Achilles' feet, evoking a simile describing Achilles' as a raging fire subdued by water. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Within Odyssey 1, what overarching theme is introduced by the invocation of the Muse of Memory (Mnemosyne), setting a programmatic tone for the epic?

The theme of enduring remembrance highlights the epic's focus on preserving and retelling the past (C) Signup and view all the answers

At the beginning of Odyssey 1, where is Odysseus physically located, and how does Zeus account for Odysseus’ prolonged absence from Ithaca, framing the epic’s central conflict?

Odysseus is stranded on Calypso’s island, a situation Zeus explains by citing Poseidon's wrath over the blinding of Polyphemus (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does Athena alter her appearance when she first visits Telemachus in Odyssey 1, and what specific counsel does she offer to inspire action in the young prince?

Athena appears as Mentor, a trusted family friend, urging Telemachus to seek news of Odysseus in Pylos and Sparta (C) Signup and view all the answers

Following Athena's departure from Telemachus in Odyssey 1, what delayed realization does he have, and how does this recognition affect his subsequent behavior towards the suitors?

Telemachus realizes Athena was a goddess, emboldening him to confront the suitors and assert his authority (A) Signup and view all the answers

In Odyssey 1, what is Penelope’s emotional reaction to the harper's song, and how does Telemachus respond to her request to change the song?

Penelope is distressed by the harper’s song, and Telemachus asserts she must endure it, showing growing maturity (C) Signup and view all the answers

Upon arriving in Sparta in Odyssey 4, what specific events are being celebrated at Menelaus' palace, reflecting the consolidation of power and alliances?

A double wedding, linking Menelaus’ family with that of Achilles and a Spartan noble, binding them together (A) Signup and view all the answers

During Telemachus' stay in Sparta in Odyssey 4, what substance does Helen introduce into the wine, and what is its intended effect on the assembled guests?

A drug (likely nepenthe) in their wine to ease their sorrow, allowing them to recount tales of Odysseus undistressed (A) Signup and view all the answers

In Odyssey 4, what pivotal advice does Eidothea impart to Menelaus while he is stranded in Egypt, directing him towards a path of resolution and return?

Eidothea advises Menelaus to seek directions from Proteus, who can reveal the sacrifices needed to appease the gods and return home safely. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In Odyssey 4, what valuable item does Menelaus offer as a guest-gift to Telemachus at the conclusion of his visit, symbolizing the bond between the two heroes?

A lavish silver bowl made by Hephaestus, symbolizing the alliance and luxury between their kingdoms (B) Signup and view all the answers

At the end of Odyssey 4, what form does Athena take when comforting Penelope, and what specific information does Penelope seek from this comforting presence?

Athena sends a phantom in the form of Penelope’s sister, reassuring her that Telemachus is safe (B) Signup and view all the answers

In Odyssey 5, what motivates Odysseus to reject Calypso’s offer of immortality, highlighting his intrinsic desires and values?

Odysseus' desire for home and family outweighs the promise of immortality (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Ino, the "White Goddess," assist Odysseus in Odyssey 5, and what is Odysseus' immediate reaction to her aid, reflecting his ingrained caution?

Ino gives him a magical veil to keep him safe, and at first, Odysseus is suspicious and hesitates to trust her (D) Signup and view all the answers

In Odyssey 6, how does Athena influence Nausicaa to encounter Odysseus, and what broader purpose does this meeting serve in Odysseus's journey?

Athena appears in a dream as Nausicaa’s friend, encouraging her to do laundry (leading her to meet Odysseus), guiding him towards aid (B) Signup and view all the answers

When Odysseus approaches Nausicaa and her companions in Odyssey 6, with what specific qualities does he flatter Nausicaa in his plea for assistance?

He compares her to a goddess, praises her beauty, and appeals to her compassion (A) Signup and view all the answers

In Odyssey 9, what immediate danger do the Lotus Eaters pose to Odysseus and his crew, and how does Odysseus address this threat?

The lotus fruit causes those who eat it to forget about their desire to go home, so Odysseus forcibly removes his men unable to resist (D) Signup and view all the answers

What critical detail does Odysseus conceal from his crew when approaching the Cyclops' island in Odyssey 9, influencing their subsequent actions and fate?

He does not disclose his expectations for hospitality, which goes against his crew's desire to raid the island for food and leave immediately (C) Signup and view all the answers

In Odyssey 9, why does Odysseus strategically choose NOT to kill Polyphemus immediately after blinding him, despite the Cyclops' vulnerability?

Odysseus needs Polyphemus because only he could move the boulder that blocked the entrance of the cave. (B) Signup and view all the answers

During his escape from Polyphemus in Odyssey 9, what name does Odysseus cleverly use to deceive the Cyclops, and how does this deception affect Polyphemus's cries for help?

Odysseus calls himself ‘Outis’ (Noman), so when Polyphemus cries out, the other Cyclopes believe he is afflicted by the gods and dismiss his claims. (A) Signup and view all the answers

After escaping the Cyclops in Odyssey 9, what specific act of hubris does Odysseus commit, and what are the immediate repercussions of this action?

Odysseus mocks the Cyclops who hurled a large boulder at them, and he reveals his true name, prompting Polyphemus to beseech Poseidon to curse Odysseus. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What request does Polyphemus make to his father Poseidon after being blinded by Odysseus in Odyssey 9, shaping the course of Odysseus’s subsequent journey?

Polyphemus asks Poseidon to make sure Odysseus never reaches Ithaca, but if he is meant to reach home that his journey is long. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Upon revisiting Aeolus in Odyssey 10, how does Aeolus respond to Odysseus's plea for renewed assistance, revealing the limits of divine favor?

Aeolus refuses to help Odysseus as he believes he is cursed by the Gods (C) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Laestrygonians from other adversaries Odysseus encounters in Odyssey 10, highlighting the diverse challenges on his homeward journey?

The Laestrygonians, like the cyclops, are cannibals who eat Odysseus' men. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Before Odysseus reaches Circe’s palace in Odyssey 10, what strange phenomenon does Eurylochus report about the wildlife, signaling the sorceress’s unnatural influence?

The animals outside Circe’s palace are men who have been transformed into beasts. (D) Signup and view all the answers

On his way to confront Circe in Odyssey 10, what divine assistance does Odysseus receive, empowering him to resist her enchantments?

Hermes appears and gives Odysseus a herb that wards off the effect of Cersei's drugs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Priam and Hecuba's Plea

Priam and Hecuba beg Hector not to fight Achilles directly but within Troy's walls.

Hector's Motivation

Hector is motivated by shame; it would be dishonorable to leave the fight.