Iliad Book 1

• What does the first word of the Iliad signify?

  Rage is the driver of the storyline
• How does Homer begin the Iliad?

  By evoking a muse for storytelling
• What does the rage of Achilles lead to?

  Many deaths throughout the story
• Who is the god that infuses anger in Achilles and Agamemnon?

  Apollo
• Why does the argument between Agamemnon and Achilles start?

  Agamemnon kept a priestess of Apollo
• What is the name of the priestess taken by Agamemnon?

  Chryseis
• What does Chryses ask Agamemnon to do?

  To return his daughter Chryseis
• What does Chryses offer Agamemnon in exchange for his daughter?

  Gold and great things
• How does Agamemnon respond to Chryses' plea?

  He refuses and threatens him
• What does Chryses do after being refused by Agamemnon?

  He prays to Apollo
• What does Apollo decide to do in response to Chryses' prayer?

  Send a plague to the Greeks
• How does Apollo carry out his plan against the Greeks?

  By raining down a plague
• What is the initial target of Apollo's plague?

  The animals in the Greek camp
• How long does the plague last before Achilles calls a meeting?

  Nine days
• Who inspires Achilles to call the meeting of the Greeks?

  Hera
• What does Achilles suggest they do at the meeting?

  Ask a seer about the plague
• Who is the seer that Achilles refers to?

  Calchas
• What does Calchas reveal about the cause of the plague?

  It is due to Agamemnon keeping Chryseis
• What does Calchas say must be done to appease Apollo?

  Return Chryseis and sacrifice a hecatomb
• How does Agamemnon react to Calchas' revelation?

  He becomes furious and defensive
• What does Agamemnon accuse Calchas of?

  Being a seer of evil
• What does Agamemnon say about his wife in comparison to Chryseis?

  He prefers Chryseis over Clytemnestra
• What condition does Agamemnon set for returning Chryseis?

  He wants another prize in return
• How does Achilles respond to Agamemnon's demand for a new prize?

  He argues there are no prizes available
• What does Agamemnon threaten to do if he doesn't receive a prize?

  Steal a prize from Achilles or others
• What does Agamemnon ultimately agree to do?

  Return Chryseis but demand another prize
• How does Achilles feel about Agamemnon's decision to return Chryseis?

  He is furious and feels insulted
• Why is it important to understand the plot of the Iliad?

  To appreciate the depth of the story
• What does the speaker hope viewers will feel about the Iliad?

  They will love the book
• What tradition does the speaker mention regarding ancient poetry?

  Invoking a muse
• What is Achilles' role in the Iliad?

  He is a central character driven by rage
• What theme does the Iliad begin with?

  Rage
• How does Apollo influence the conflict in the Iliad?

  He infuses anger in Achilles and Agamemnon
• What does the concept of war prizes signify in ancient Greek culture?

  It reflects honor and status among warriors
• What role do seers play in the Iliad?

  They interpret signs from the gods
• What theme is prevalent in the interactions between characters?

  Honor and dishonor
• Who are the three characters mentioned at the beginning of the passage?

  Odysseus, Ajax, and Achilles
• What does Agamemnon threaten to do in order to return Chryseis?

  Steal someone else's prize
• How does Achilles feel about Agamemnon's actions regarding Chryseis?

  He feels disrespected and angry
• What point does Achilles make about the Greeks' feelings towards the Trojans?

  They do not hate the Trojans