Literature, Culture, and the Humanities --- The Iliad
Mr. Wasilewski, Mrs. McHugh, and Mrs. Lulis
A Study Guide and Review Questions for Book 6: “Hector returns to Troy”
You should be able to:
- describe the intensity of the fighting
- name the key Achaean fighter at this point in the action
- recognize that the gods are no longer involved in the fighting
- compare and contrast Menelaus and Agamemnon’s treatment of Adrestus
- further describe the character traits of Menelaus and Agamemnon based upon their treatment of Adrestus
- explain the fate of Adrestus
- understand the significance of Nestor’s advice
- tell what impact Nestor’s words had upon the Greeks and the Trojans
- summarize Helenus’ request of Aeneas and Hector
- give the details of the message Helenus asks Hector to take to their mother
- explain the Greek response to Hector and the other Trojans as Hector returns to the city of Troy
- understand Hector’s words to the troops to continue fighting
- identify with the “no man’s land between both armies” (121)
- explain why Glaucus and Diomedes come together in a face to face meeting
- explain why Diomedes calls Glaucus his friend (223)
- realize what was exchanged between Diomedes and Glaucus and why Glaucus and why Glaucus got the bad end of the deal
- appreciate the description of Priam’s castle.
- characterize the mother-son relationship between Hecuba and Hector
- understand why the Trojans are making offerings to Athena
- understand Athena’s response to the offerings
- visualize Hector as he enters Paris’ home
- visualize Paris as Hector enters his home
- compare and contrast Hector and Paris as men and as warriors
- have a deeper understanding of Helen’s character and her assessment of Paris
- understand how much responsibility Helen really accepts for the Trojan War
- understand how Hector looks upon himself in relationship to his country
- explain Hector as a husband and as a father
- explain Andromache and her fears
- compare and contrast Helen’s pleas to her husband and Andromache’s pleas to Hector
- understand the connection between Achilles and Andromache’s entire family
- appreciate how, despite killing her father, Achilles showed some respect to Eetion
- appreciate why Homes has included this family scene focusing on Hector, Andromache, and Astyanax
- better understand Hector’s assessment of Paris
How do thoughts that Helen expresses in Book six contrast with Paris’ actions in Book six?
Hector tells Andromache that he would feel deep shame if he did not fight the Achaeans. What do his feelings indicate about the values that are part of Trojan society?
By saying that no one, brave man nor coward, has escaped fate, what is Hector indicating about his own mortality and his part in his mortality?
Whom do you consider the braver man—Hector or Achilles? Explain your thinking and support your answer by offering evidence from The Iliad.
Applying concepts to a new Situation
The Greek playwright Sophocles wrote, “Fate has terrible power. You cannot escape it by wealth or war. No fort will keep it out, no ships outrun it.” In your opinion, how does the contemporary view of fate differ from the ancient Grecian view of fate that is present in Book Six?
Critical Thinking and Reading—Comparing and Contrasting Characters
According to the heroic code of ethics, male characters in The Iliad must fight to win for glory for their families and for themselves. Each hero, however, responds differently to the warrior code he learned since childhood. Consider how differently Achilles and Hector behave as heroes.
In a well-crafted answer, explain whether Achilles or Hector is characterized as being more human? Contrast Achilles’ reasons for wining glory with Hector’s reasons. Finally, since heroism is so critical to both individual’s cultures, which man is more heroic?
Please note: I have had to vary the translations that I use for the Iliad, the page numbers may be an estimate and not an exact reference.