1.

Look closely at the proem (1.1-7) What are the aspects of the poem to follow that are highlighted at the beginning? Why single out these particular themes? After reading the first 8 books, consider how the proem may or may not be a complete representation of the concerns of the poem to this point.

2.

The major events of Book 1 revolve around the quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilleus. How are each of these two characters represented? What do we learn about them and how do we learn it—from what they themselves say, what other characters say about them, what the narrator tells us? Where do these different perspectives meet and diverge?

3.

Compare the criticisms that Achilleus (in Book 1) and Thersites (in Book 2) level at the leadership of the Greek forces and at the expedition against Troy. In what ways are they similar? What makes them different?

4.

A major component of the expectations of the epic genre throughout its history is the integration of human and divine actors in the course of events. Pay attention to the ways in which the gods enter the action. How do they become involved? What are their motivations? What sorts of action do they take and what are the results? Think in terms of specific incidents; don’t try to generalize. To what exent are the criticisms which Xenophanes of Colophon levels against Homer justified?

5.

Consider the prominent mortal women in books 1-8—Briseis, Helen, Andromache. How do they interact with the men around them? What sorts of things are said about them and what, if anything, do they say about themselves?

6.

Keep track of all references to and appearances of the Trojan hero Hektor in books 1-8. In what contexts does he appear and what does he do? How is he set in relation to other characters? What traits set him apart from other heroes?