B1 Key plot points + quotations

• Achilles‘ rage

  “Anger - sing, goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that accused anger”
• Apollo is responsible for the conflict

  “It was Apollo… who started the feud”
• In depriving Achilles of his legitimately-won prize, Agamemnon undermines the heroic code of honour (timê)

  -> “and now comes this threat from you… to rob me of my prize... my hand-earned prize”

  -> “I can see no point in staying here to be insulted”

  -> “I will come in person to your hut and take away fair-cheeked Briseis, your, prize, Achilles, to let you know how far I am your superior”
• the gods are a serious and mighty presence

  -> “Phoebus Apollo… came down in fury from the heights of Olympus… and his descent was like nightfall”

  -> ”I came from the skies to cool your fury” (Athene)
• However, the gods also provide some comic relief - Zeus and Hera bickering is a lighter parallel to the grave quarrel in the Greek camp

  -> “this is gong to mean trouble! You will make me fall foul of my wife Hera…”

  -> “it will be impossible to enjoy a good feast with so much trouble in the air” (Hephaestus)

  -> “A fit of helpless laughter seized the blessed gods”