Iliad: Scholarship

Hektor Scholarship

Hektor is seen as a tragic hero whose fate embodies the inevitable downfall of Troy- M. I. Finely

Hector is viewed as a victim of the destructive forces of war, whose noble qualities and sense of duty ultimately lead to his tragic demise. Weil's interpretation emphasizes the profound injustice and suffering inherent in armed conflict.- Weil

Hector's character reflects the cultural and historical context of ancient Greece, embodying the values of martial prowess, familial duty, and civic responsibility- M.L. West

Hector represents the noble ideals of heroism and honor, but also serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the tragic consequences of unchecked pride and ambition- August Wolf

Hektor ideas

1. good examples of a Homeric hero

2. Best/Last hope of the Trojans, fate of Troy depends on him

3. Duty and responsibilities: Family figure, Honour, Leadership

4. Pitiable- death fated, Treatment of his body

5. Flawed hero; arrogant, irresponsible

Women Scholarship

emphasizes the complexity of female characters in ancient Greek literature, including those in "The Iliad." She challenges simplistic interpretations that view women solely as passive victims or symbols of male desire.- Edith Hall

explores how women in "The Iliad" navigate the constraints of patriarchal society while asserting their own agency and autonomy within the epic narrative. She examines their roles as catalysts for conflict, agents of change, and bearers of cultural and emotional significance- Edith Hall

limited agency afforded to women in the epic, emphasizing their roles as prizes, objects of desire, and symbols of honor- Hanna Roisman

women, such as Andromache and Hecuba, engage in lamentation as a means of expressing grief and mourning the losses incurred during the Trojan War- Alexiou

explores the theme of misogyny in ancient Greek literature examines how women in the epic, such as Helen and Briseis, are often depicted as catalysts for conflict and objects of male desire, reflecting broader societal attitudes toward women in ancient Greece- Zeitlin

Women Ideas

1. women had set roles in a domestic context linked to childbirth/rearing and weaving

2. Women are prizes, physical representation of time- objectification

3. In some sphere women have control/agency/importance such as burial rites/lamentation/ praying

4. Women are completely reliant on men

5. Different rules for goddesses-more agency/autonomy/power

Achilles Scholarship

explores the tension between his human emotions and his divine lineage (his mother being the sea goddess Thetis). This duality adds depth to his character and contributes to the overarching themes of fate and mortality in the epic.- Butler

focuses on Achilles' rage as a symbol of the destructive potential of unchecked emotion, leading to tragic consequences both for himself and others.- Whitman

emphasize his representation of the ideal warrior in ancient Greek society, showcasing virtues such as bravery, loyalty, and skill in combat.- Finley

examine how Achilles' desire for immortal fame influences his actions, driving him to extremes in both combat and emotional response. His struggle for kleos reflects broader societal values in ancient Greece.- Nagy

His hubris, stubbornness, and inability to reconcile his personal honor with the greater good- A. A. Long

Dodds

“shame culture” meaning character act based on how they are perceived by others rather than internal moral values

Griffin

conflict between time and collective duty in the Iliad

Silk

Heroes’ quarrels result in anger