(lines 1-300) of book 3

plot summary

when the two armies rush out, menelaus charges at paris who slips back into the trojan ranks. hector is angry at paris, telling him how he lead troy to failure by his cowardice and how he ruined both families by taking helen. paris answers that his beauty and aphrodite’s gifts excuse him, then proposes a duel with menelaus; the winner would win helen and the armies will make peace and return home.

hector accepts paris’ proposal and pauses the fight. both sides agree. some heralds get sacrificial animals and King priam, and agamemnon gets a lamb ready to sacrifice to zeus. iris in a disguise tells helen about the duel and she cries.

priam rides out to the field and the leaders exchange offerings and swear solemn oaths before zeus, the sun, earth and the underworld. if paris won, the trojans kept helen. if menelaus won, the greeks kept helen. if anyone broke the pact they would be cursed. the rites are completed and the gods enforce the agreement through prayers.

questions

  1. How does Homer contrast the approach of the Greeks and Trojans in warfare (10) in lines 1-9?

 the trojans “advanced with shrieks and cries like cranes” whilst the greeks “moved forward in silence”

  1. How does the simile in lines 10-14 relate to the above depiction (10)?

The simile compares the Trojans to noisy cranes, showing their advance as loud and chaotic, while also suggesting their violence toward the Greeks. This contrasts with the Greeks, who move in silence with discipline and courage, making them seem more organized and united.

  1. What is the contrast between the portrayals of Menelaus and Paris (4) in lines 15-37?

Menelaus is shown as brave and eager for battle, like a lion finding prey, while Paris at first seems confident but then loses heart and retreats in fear, showing him as cowardly.

  1. What is the nature of Hector’s (3) relationship with Paris in lines 38-57?

Hector’s relationship with Paris is critical and harsh; he scolds him as a coward and a disgrace, blaming him for bringing shame on Troy and urging him to face Menelaus.

  1. How does Paris (4) come across in lines 58-76?

Paris admits Hector’s rebukes are fair, excuses his gifts from Aphrodite, but shows some responsibility by proposing a duel with Menelaus to settle the war.

 

  1. Do we see a different side to Agamemnon’s character (7) in lines 83-86?

Agamemnon shows a different side by acting with restraint and fairness, stopping the Greeks from fighting so Hector can speak, showing respect for order and diplomacy.

 

  1. What will the winner of the proposed duel between Paris and Menelaus gain? How is to preside over the oath between the two and what does this tell us about attitudes towards old men in the Iliad (5)?

The winner of the duel will take Helen and her property, showing how women are objectified as prizes. Priam will oversee the oath, showing that old men are respected in Greek times

  1. What is the attitude of the Greek and Trojan armies to the proposal and what does it tell us (10)?

 They accept the contest and paused the battle, showing they fought fairly.

 

  1. What are your first impressions of Helen’s character (9) in lines 122-138?

Helen seems beautiful and noble, aware of the suffering caused in her name, but also passive, treated as a prize over which Paris and Menelaus will fight.

 

  1. How effective do you find the simile comparing the Trojan elders (5) to cicadas in lines 150-155?

The simile shows the Trojan elders as old and inactive like cicadas, but still wise and skilled with words, contributing advice even if they no longer fight.

  1. In what way to the attitudes towards Helen of Priam and the other Trojan elders contrast?

Priam and the elders admire Helen but want her sent home to avoid more trouble, while others like Paris are selfish and focused on keeping her.

 

  1. How does the perspective of Priam and Helen (lines 167-170 and 178-191) on Agamemnon (7) compare with his portrayal so far in the poem?

Priam and Helen see Agamemnon as noble, impressive, and commanding, which matches earlier portrayals of him as strong, disciplined, and respected.

  1. What are your first impressions of Helen (9) during her description of the leader?

 Helen seems honest and reflective, admiring Agamemnon’s strength and leadership while also showing guilt and shame over her role in causing the war.

 

  1. What do we learn about Odysseus and his character from Helen in lines 192-225?

Helen shows Odysseus as intelligent and strategic; though he seems quiet and unassuming at first, his words are powerful and persuasive, showing his cunning and quick-thinking.

 

  1. How is pathos evoked for Helen in lines 234-245?

Pathos is created by showing Helen’s loss and isolation, as her brothers are absent or dead, and by highlighting her shame and regret for the war caused in her name.

 

  1. How does Priam come across as he comes to help with the oath and how is he received by the Greeks (5) in lines 259-268?

Priam comes across as respectful and cautious, carrying out his duties with dignity, and the Greeks honor him, showing respect for his wisdom and authority.

  1. How is the sacrifice in lines 282-303 made more dramatic (14)?

The sacrifice is made dramatic through vivid imagery of the lambs being killed and the serious prayers to the gods, showing the high stakes and severe consequences if the oath is broken.