1.

Look carefully at the arguments that each of the characters (Odysseus, Phoinix, Aias) in the embassy in Book 9 uses to try to persuade Achilleus to return to combat. How do their appeals differ? How does Achilleus react to each? Does he modify his position? If so, how?

2.

By looking carefully at some individual examples in books 9-15, consider the ways in which warriors kill or are killed. How does Homer describe deaths (what sort of details are included, what sort of details are left out)? Who are the ones to get killed? Does the text endorse and glorify this killing? If so, how does it do so? In what ways does it set this killing in a negative light? Again, think about these questions by referring to the text as closely as you can.

3.

Keep track of all references to and appearances of Achilleus' companion Patroklos (please include his appearance in Book 1). In what contexts does he appear and how is he characterized? How is he drawn into action? What are his strengths and weaknesses as a warrior?

4.

In book 14 Hera attempts to circumvent Zeus’ authority by seducing him. Consider in what ways she succeeds in getting her desires and in what ways she fails. What effect does Zeus’ temporary distraction have on events? How does this scene of interaction and competition between gods compare with other encounters between gods in the foregoing books of the poem? What does the incident say about Zeus?

5.

The events of books 9-15 transpire in the absence of Achilleus from the battlefield and, for the most part, from the narrative of events. Still, consider ways in which Achilleus continues to affect the action of the poem. Keep in mind the words of the proem