Iliad Study Questions — Books 19-24

1. Identify Deiphobus, Antilochus, Niobe, Leto and Cassandra.

Book 19

2. When Achilles is ready to re-enter the battle, what is his motive?

3. How is the reconciliation between Agamemnon and Achilles observed?

4. To what extent does Agamemnon take responsibility for his actions?

5. What disagreement do Achilles and Odysseus have in Book 19?

6. How does Briseis react to the sight of Patroclus' body?

Book 20

7. Why does Zeus send the gods onto the battlefield? Which side does each one take?

8. How does the description of the battle change once Achilles is back on the field?

9. How does Achilles respond to the supplication of Tros?

Book 21

10. Describe Achilles' state of mind and the effects of his actions.

11. Why is Lycaon's story significant?

12. Why can Achilles not accept Patroclus' death?

13. What is the significance of Achilles' encounter with the river?

Book 22

14. What do Priam and Hecuba say to Hector?

15. What are Hector's thoughts as he awaits Achilles?

16. What are the movements of the gods during the encounter between Hector and Achilles?

17. How does Achilles respond to Hector's dying request?

18. How do Priam, Hecuba and Andromache react?

Book 23

19. Why does Patroclus' ghost visit Achilles?

20. In what ways is Patroclus honoured at his funeral?

21. How is Hector's corpse dishonoured?

22. What is the function of the funeral games? How does Achilles behave as their host?

23. How does Book 23 reflect the themes and action of the rest of the Iliad?

Book 24

24. What is Thetis' advice to Achilles? Why does Achilles agree to her suggestion?

25. Why does Hermes accompany Priam to Achilles' camp?

26. What effect does Priam have on Achilles?

27. What is the significance of the Niobe story?

28. Who has the last words in the lament over Hector?

29. What are the last words of the poem?