This assignment asks you to provide character analysis of one individual in relation to a particular topic in Homer’s Iliad, Books I, VI, IX, XVI, XVIII, XXII, and XXIV . Choose one of the following moments from the poem:
Achilles’ argument with Agamemnon about Briseis in Book I
Nestor’s role in Book I and/or IX
Achilles relationship with his mother in Book I and/or Book XVIII
Glaukos and Diomedes’ encounter in Book VI
Helen’s view of her life, conception of herself in Book VI
Hector’s encounter with Andromache and Astyanax in Book VI
Agamemnon’s offer to Achilles in Book IX
Achilles’ reaction to Agamemnon’s offer in Book IX
Phoinix’s digression related to Meleager in Book IX
Sarpedon’s death and the battle for his corpse in Book XVI
Patroclus’ encounter with Hector in Book XVI
Achilles’ response to Patroclus’ death in Book XVIII
Achilles’ encounter with Priam in Book XXIV
Achilles’ battle with Hector in Book XXII
Hector’s funeral Book XXIV
Structure: Organize your discussion post in the following manner:
Introduction:
Begin your response with a short introductory paragraph (3-4 sentences) that clearly identifies the topic you are discussing and identifies the individual you wish to characterize in your analysis. Just analyze one character in your response.
Do not blend topics from the list.
Do not make the introduction longer than the body paragraphs.
Make sure your introduction ends with a thesis statement where you make an assertion about characterization: What were your impressions of this individual in the scene you are evaluating? What central trait or traits are revealed?
Body Paragraphs:
Have 2-3 body paragraphs of detailed analysis and illustration. Most of your response should come in this section.
Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that is an assertion rather than a fact. Present an idea in relation to the character you are evaluating.
Support your ideas with two-four direct quotes of between five and twelve words in each body paragraph. Each body paragraph must have at least two direct quotes in it. Do not have more than four quotes in any body paragraph. You may also paraphrase other information.
Be sure to cite the book and line numbers of your quote in parentheses after the quotation marks, and to integrate your quotations smoothly and grammatically into the structure of your own sentences. (-5 deduction if book and line numbers are missing).
The quotations must come from the sections of the Iliad that are connected with your topic.
Choose quotations that are relevant to your argument.
Evaluate the evidence you cite: why did you include it? What was your point in quoting it? Give the details a close reading.
Most importantly for this post, present your own ideas–how did you feel about the character–what he says, what she does, etc.? What conclusions do you draw about him/her, based on what happens in this episode?
Key**: avoid simple plot summary. Assume your readers know the basic facts of the poem and the scene in question–they don’t need you to re-tell what happens. Use the plot detail to support or explain your ideas about the scene.
Note**: Stay focused on your scene; do not drift into a discussion from another one
Conclusion:
Conclude with a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) offering your final thoughts and bringing your post to a close. Consider how this topic connects with the work as a whole. What do you think Homer’s purpose was in this scene?
Be thoughtful and opinionated in this section, but do not make the conclusion longer than a body paragraph.
Bonus (+3 possible):
In a minimum of 50 words, compare any character in the Iliad to another character from any work of literature that you’ve read, or from any character in a television show or movie. What specific similiarties exist? Be detailed in precise in your comparison. The more convincing you are, the more bonus points will be awarded.
