Iliad
13-18 Study Questions
1. What
happens when Zeus leaves the scene of battle?
2. Comment
on Hera's seduction of Zeus. How and why does she accomplish it? What does
it say about the relationship between sex and violence in the Iliad?
3. Identify
Poseidon, Myrmidons, Sarpedon, Euphorbus, Automedon and Antilochus.
4. What
new information do we get from Zeus' revelation of his will to Hera in Book
15?
5. Why
does Achilles agree to let Patroclus enter the battle in his armour? What
limit does he impose?
6. Achilles
pours a libation to Zeus. What does he pray for (Book 16)?
7. Why
is Sarpedon's death significant?
8. Who
kills Patroclus? What is Hector's mistake as he vaunts over him?
9. What
are Patroclus' last words?
10. What
happens to Patroclus' body?
11. How
does Achilles learn of Patroclus' death? What is his reaction? How does it
affect others?
12. Why
does Achilles need new armour?
13. How
is the battle for Patroclus' body resolved?
14. What
is Polydamas' advice?
15. Why
is Thetis able to ask Hephaestus for such a great favour?
16. Why
is so much attention lavished on the description of the Shield of Achilles?