I need help answering questions regarding some of "The Illiad", by Homer. 1. In book one, what calamity falls upon the Greek camp and why?

2. In book one, who keeps Achilles from slaying Agamemnon?

3. Whom does Achilles ask for help and what is her relation to him?

4. Why is Zeus reluctant to answer Thetis’ request?

5. At the beginning of book two, Zeus sends Agamemnon a dream. In the dream, what does he command Agamemnon to do and what does he promise that the Greeks will do that day?

6. In book one, Zeus promised Thetis, with a bow of his head, that he would honor Achilles. In book two, we learn of another promise made by Zeus with a bow of his head. What did Zeus promise and to whom?

7. Who led the largest army to Troy? How many ships made up his fleet?

8. In book three, who does Priam blame for the war? 9. In book three, who rescues Paris from certain death at Menelaus’ hands?

Character Questions:
1. What does Agamemnon’s response to Chryses’ plea tell us about his character and personality?

2. Halfway through the argument, Achilles, in his anger, is torn between two courses of action. What is his decision and what does it tell us about Achilles’ character and personality?

3. After arguing for a bit, Zeus is finally able to make Hera sit down and be quiet. What do Zeus’ threats against Hera tell us about his character and personality?

4. In literature, physiognomy is the word for the relationship between a character’s physical appearance and his or her character and personality. How does Thersites’ physical appearance reflect his character and personality?

6. Book three is the first place we meet Paris. What does his initial behavior marching out of Troy and his reaction to seeing Menelaus tell us about his character and personality?

7. From her conversation with Priam on the walls of Troy, her quarrel with Aphrodite, and her rebukes of Paris, how would you say Helen feels about having left Menelaus and her family and run off with Paris to Troy.

1. What is the first word of the epic? Why do you think the poet would choose to begin his poem with this word?