What Type Of Genre Is The Iliad? B. Explain The Theories ✓ Solved

The type of genre is The Illiad? B. Explain the theories

Directions: Follow the instructions in each Part below to complete the assignment. Part A Directions: Conduct research and answer each of the following questions. A. What type of genre is The Illiad? B. Explain the theories of 'unitarianism' and 'expansion' as these relate to the authorship of The Illiad.

Part B - Books 1-10 Directions: Answer each of the following questions. (1) Why are the Greeks and Trojans fighting? (2) How does Priam (Alexandros) behave in the following situations: ____a. When the Greeks and Trojans met in battle? ____b. When Menalaos accepts his offer? ____c. When he sees Helen? ____d. When Hector shames him? (3) What kind of person is Paris? (4) Which gods fight for the Greeks? Which fight for Troy? Why? (5) Briefly describe Hector's visit with his wife and child. Why is it hard for him to return to battle? Why does he go? (6) How do the Greeks try to protect their ships? What is their fear? (7) Why do the three envoys visit Achilles? What arguments do they present? How does Achilles respond to them?

Part C - Books 11-24 Directions: Answer each of the following questions. (1) Briefly describe how Agamemnon, Diomedes, and Odysseus become wounded. Who is winning at the end of this day's battle? (2) Why does Patroclus want to enter the war? What is Achilles' reaction? (3) What is Achilles' reaction after Patroclus' death? (4) Why is it important for Achilles and Agamemnon to reconcile publicly? (5) What hardships have resulted from Achilles' anger? (6) How does the tide of war change after Achilles enters the war? (7) How does Achilles honor Patroclus and dishonor Hector? (8) Why do the gods interfere with Achilles' plans for Hector's body? (9) What are the results of Priam's meeting with Achilles? Why? (10) The Iliad ends without total victory for the Greeks. Why? (11) Contrast Hector and Achilles. Which do you like better? Why? (12) In your opinion, is Achilles any different at the end of the story than he was at the beginning? Explain.

Part D - Greek Gods Directions: Follow each step below to complete the assignment. Step 1. Choose the name of a Greek god who appears in the Iliad. Step 2. Find out as much about the god or goddess as you can. Step 3. Write a short exposition about the god's exploits.

Paper For Above Instructions

The Iliad, an epic poem attributed to Homer, is classified within the genre of epic poetry. This genre is distinguished by its narrative style, which recounts the adventures and battles of heroic figures, often set against the backdrop of significant historical events or conflicts. It encapsulates grand themes of heroism, honor, and the interplay between human agency and the divine. The work specifically explores the Trojan War, detailing both the valor and the flaws of its central characters, primarily Achilles and Hector.

Regarding authorship, two theories come to the forefront: 'unitarianism' and 'expansion'. Unitarianism posits that a single author, Homer, composed The Iliad in its entirety, thus ensuring a cohesive narrative style and thematic focus. In contrast, the expansion theory suggests that The Iliad evolved over time, incorporating various oral traditions and contributions from multiple poets. This theory supports the notion that the poem underwent several revisions and additions, leading to the complex work we have today. Both theories highlight the richness of the text, inviting readers to ponder its origins and the nature of its storytelling.

In examining the narrative of The Iliad from Books 1-10, the Greeks and Trojans engage in battle over Helen, a figure whose abduction by Paris ignites the conflict. Priam’s behavior varies; he exhibits courage on the battlefield but also vulnerability in personal moments, particularly when confronted by Menelaus, Helen, and Hector. Paris, as a character, is depicted as lacking in the warrior ethos typical of the Greek heroes, often viewed as cowardly compared to Hector, who embodies noble traits and responsibilities.

Various deities take sides in this epic struggle; for instance, Ares and Aphrodite support the Trojans, while Athena and Hera back the Greeks. Their involvement underscores the influence of divine forces in mortal affairs, as the gods intervene in battles and personal affairs of the characters. Hector's poignant farewell to his wife and child highlights the tension between duty and personal sentiment, emphasizing the sacrifices made by warriors.

As the narrative transitions into Books 11-24, the stakes escalate with the injuries of key leaders like Agamemnon, Diomedes, and Odysseus. The outcome of the battle shifts, leading to the tragic entry of Patroclus into combat. His decision propels Achilles into a state of grief and rage following Patroclus' death, marking a critical turning point in the story. The reconciliation between Achilles and Agamemnon becomes crucial not only for personal growth but to restore unity among the Greek forces, which has been fractured by Achilles' earlier indignation.

As Achilles resumes battle, the tide turns dramatically, showcasing the themes of vengeance and honor as he seeks to avenge his fallen friend Patroclus. The mythical elements play a vital role in this conflict, with gods interfering in the fates of both Achilles and Hector. Priam’s encounter with Achilles serves as a moment of profound humanity amid the chaos of war, demonstrating shared grief across enemy lines.

The Iliad concludes ambiguously, leaving the Greek victory incomplete, which speaks to the themes of fate and the futility of war. In analyzing characters, Hector and Achilles stand in stark contrast; while Achilles represents a fierce, almost unyielding warrior, Hector embodies duty to family and city, creating a complex portrait of heroism. My preference leans towards Hector for his moral depth and sense of responsibility in the face of overwhelming odds.

Finally, Achilles undergoes significant transformation throughout the narrative. Initially characterized by rage and pride, his experiences, particularly surrounding Patroclus' death, foster a deeper understanding of loss and remorse. In the end, he emerges as a more sympathetic figure—a blend of the hero’s strength and the vulnerabilities inherent to the human condition.

To conclude, the Greek gods' portrayal in The Iliad adds further depth to the epic. For instance, Athena illustrates wisdom in conflict outcomes, often rescuing key characters like Achilles, while Ares signifies the brutal reality of warfare. These divine figures symbolize the complexities of human behavior, enriching the narrative and engaging readers in its timeless themes.

References

• Homer. (1990). The Iliad. Translated by Robert Fagles. Penguin Books.
• Morris, I. (1997). The Good of Rome: The Iliad and the Aeneid in Context. Classical Philology, 92(4), 349-364.
• Finley, M. I. (1975). The World of Odysseus. New York: Viking Press.
• Hunter, R. (2015). The Iliad: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press.
• West, S. (2002). The Iliad of Homer: A New Translation. Princeton University Press.
• Taplin, O. (1992). Homeric Soundings: The Shaping of The Iliad. Oxford University Press.
• Allan, W. (2018). The Iliad: A New Commentary. Bloomsbury Academic.
• Dué, C. (2002). The Captive Woman's Lament in Greek Tragedy. University of Oklahoma Press.
• Pope, A. (1715). The Iliad of Homer. T. Woodward.
• Tsagalis, C. (2010). The Oral Tradition of the Iliad and its Significance for Literary and Cultural Studies. Harvard University Press.