The Iliad Parthenon. What is the Iliad? A long, narrative poem in dactylic hexameter Dactylic:...
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Transcript of The Iliad Parthenon. What is the Iliad? A long, narrative poem in dactylic hexameter Dactylic:...
What is the Iliad?
A long, narrative poem in dactylic hexameter Dactylic: stressed followed by two
unstressed syllables Hexameter: six feet
It was originally spoken not read.Combines history, legends, and religion of ancient Greece.
More Background Information
Iliad was written by a blind poet named HomerTells the Greek myth of Trojan War Follows the rage of Achilles and his revenge against Hector, who killed his best friend, PatroklosTranslations usually run close to 600 pages24 books to the Iliad
Basic Review
Question: What does Iliad mean? Answer: Illium or of Troy
Question: What is the story about? Answer: Achilles’ anger in the Trojan
War
Question: How old is the story? Answer: 1230 B.C.
Question: Who wrote it? Answer: Homer, a blind poet
Why is the Iliad Important?
1st great work of Western literature
Documents the history of man
Tells of Greek mythology and religion
Relays the Greek society
Examines Greek policies and government
Provides a description of Troy
Why is it Famous?
Gods Interesting and strong
vocabulary
Blood Tender love
scenes (for the ladies)
Action
Heroic combat
Revenge Dramatic characteri-zations
1st time the
flashback is used in
writing
Goddesses
Greek’s code of ethics-- honor
Honor is how the
world sees characters
Adventure Vivid character
s with personalit
y
Pushes the audience
to question
itself
Theme #1: Fate vs. Free Will
Gods repeatedly interfereMortals make important choicesZeus determines much of fateBut even Zeus is subject to a higher power
Theme #2: Hubris
Important to all Greek literatureRuin and greatnessPride is directly related to heroic actionContrast of humility of such as the hero of Christianity
Theme #3: Arete
Pursuit of excellenceGreat deeds will bring gloryGlory will outlive the heroThere is no afterlife; what happens now is what countsThe living will remember what is done today
Theme #4: Glorious Battle vs. Horrific War
Brings out the best in heroes Strength Courage Loyalty
Brings out the worst in men Carnage Cruelty
TragedyTragedy is a type of drama or literature that shows the downfall of an outstanding personA tragic hero is traditionally one who commits an action leading to his or her defeat after seeing the root of his own downfall.A tragic flaw is the weakness which causes the hero’s downfall (anger, greed, ambition, arrogance).
Tragic Hero
Through choicechoice or through circumstancescircumstances, the tragic hero is caught up in a sequence of events that inevitably result in disasterThe audience reacts with mixed emotions: pity and fearOften has insight and realizes his flaw before othersMortal, vulnerable, and usually a high social status
Aristocratic Idealsin Ancient Greece
Fame: aim for high status for recognition
Competition: compete for prestige
Drive: fear of failure and humiliation
Loyalty: responsibility to friends & family
Wealth: the by-product of power and a sign of success
Camaraderie: membership in exclusive group/respect
Intelligence: aid to action
Beauty: commands status
Genetics: proof of ability and incentive
Poetry vs. Prose
Has rhymeHas rhythmEasy to memorize due to rhyme and meter Iliad is a poem
All other types of writing
Iliad as Poetry
Epic Poem: a long narrative that tells the deeds and adventures of a heroHow is the Iliad organized? 24 books or chapters Each one stands for a letter in the
Greek alphabet
Homer’s Writing Styles?
Invoking the muse In medias resEpic simile Stock epithet Dramatic ironyFlashback
Invoking the Muse
Homer asks the muse for inspiration
Implies that knowledge does not come from him; rather, he is only the voice channeling it
Epic Simile
Also known as a Homeric simileAn extended simile that often runs several linesTypically intensifies the heroic stature of the subject and provides detail
Stock Epithet
An adjective-noun combination that helps the audience follow a narrativeSimilar to a nickname“Thetis of the silver feet”
Dramatic Irony
When the reader or audience knows more than the characters in the story
The reader or audience can see a character’s mistakes, but the character cannot
Flashback—The What
A flashback is a section of literary work that interrupts the sequence of events to relate an event from an earlier time
Flashback—The How
How is it used?1. A character’s memory or
recollection2. Part of the story told by another
character3. A dream or daydream
Flashback—The Why
To show what motivates a character
Supply background information in a dramatic way