1.

In significant ways the narrative technique of the Argonautica is very similar to that of Homer: a poet/singer addresses the Muse, relates events of the past, deploys catalogs, similes, and other markers of epic style. But there are significant differences. What are some ways in which the poet/narrator of the Argonautica is different from that of the Iliad and Odyssey? What sorts of knowledge does he display? How else is he characterized?

2.

As you read pay careful attention to the presentation of Jason, the protagonist of the Argonautica. Track his words and actions, as well as what others say about him. What are Jason’s distinguishing characteristics? How is he similar or different from the other Argonauts, and how does he compare to the heroes of the Iliad and Odyssey?

3.

Two of the most prominent members of Jason’s crew are Orpheus and Herakles. How are these two figures characterized in book 1? How then do they each relate to Jason, their commander-in-chief? What are the reasons for which Herakles is ultimately separated from the voyage at the end of book 1? Consider both the represented sequence of events and possible unstated reasons for which Herakles’ presence on the rest of the voyage would not be wanted.

4.

Consider the gods in the Argonautica. In what ways do they intervene in the action? How do they interact with human characters in the poem? Consider Apollonius’ gods in comparison to Homer’s gods. Where are they similar and different? What might Apollonius’ picture of divine action say about the nature of man’s existence?

5.

A particularly prominent "Homeric" feature of the first book of the Argonautica is the ecphrasis of the cloak worn by Jason (1.721-768). Read this passage carefully noting any thematic significance perhaps conveyed by the scenes on the cloak. Are the scenes connected with each other or simply a random selection? Go back and compare Jason’s cloak with the description in Iliad 18 of the shield of Achilles. What qualities do they share and where does Apollonius’ ecphrasis go in new directions? How do these two objects reflect specifically on the heroes who brandish them, Jason and Achilles, and on events in the poems in which they appear?

6.

On their outward voyage to Kolchis, the Argonauts participate in a number of episodes of violence. Compare, again, Apollonius’ scenes of quarrelling, battle, killing with Homer. What are the reasons that violence occurs, and how does it end? What are its effects? Is it possible to characterize the "ethics" of the world of the Argonautica, and if so how are these ethics different from or similar to those of the Homeric heroes? Are the values of the Argonautica essentially the same or different from Homer’s, and what does this say about the nature of the Argonautica as epic?