Book Six:

--What purpose does Book Six Serve?

--Does this Book advance the story begun in Book One at all? Explain.

Tragedy: the word 'tragedy' is primarily used of a dramatic work, that is, in a play where the protagonist or hero suffers some serious misfortune which is not accidental; the misfortune is logically connected with the hero's actions. Note carefully how the actions of Achilles and Hector contribute to their own misfortunes.

Exactly when will they become aware of the consequence of their actions?

Book Nine:

--How are the Achaeans doing in the war at this point?

--Panic and Terror are personified.

--What recommendations does Agamemnon make to the Achaean army? Is there irony here?

Irony is a frequently used device in literature. One kind of irony is often referred to as "dramatic irony," in which the audience or reader knows more about the past, present, and future than the character speaking knows. Oedipus the King is a classic example. Dramatic irony underscores the suffering involved in the character's relentless pursuit of his or her notion of happiness or truth.

--How does Diomedes Criticize Agamemnon?

--What role does Nestor play here?

The Embassy: What is Achilles doing when the men arrive?

How does Achilles treat them?

Odysseus Speaks First: (page 259-261)

Odysseus makes additions and emissions in his speech to Achilles. What are these additions and emissions?

What do you think are the reasons Odysseus does so?

Achilles rejects the offer. What are his reasons? Are they convincing?

What is Achilles going to do?

Phoenix speech is divided into three parts.

--relationship with Achilles' father

--parable of prayers

--long example of Meleagros

What is Phoenix's basic message?

What is the point of Ajax's short speech?

Describe Achilles' state of mind?