Reflections and Close Reading

While reading The Iliad (Books 4-6) there were a few parts that stood out to me. I found it interesting that while Zeus who definitely had more power than Athena and Hera, as he was in charge, they were still not afraid to express their viewpoints on not being able to participate in the war and fit. Hera says (in Book 4.29) “not all the rest of us gods will approve you”. Her and Athena were not ok with Zeus’s handling of the situation and while filling with anger felt the need to express that. It’s interesting that she acknowledges the fact that can’t control Zeus but she still wants to make it clear that not all of the gods are ok with this, especially after having to watch some of it on the sidelines. As it says in Book 4.8-10 “Hera of Argos, and Athene who stands by her people. Yet see, here they are sitting apart, looking on at the fighting, and taking their pleasure”.

I found book 2 of “The Iliad” to be very interesting. The part that really caught my attention was when Thersites confronts Agamemnon saying it is unjust that he is receiving most of prizes since he is not doing any of the work (Lines 232-243). I actually found it pretty funny because Achilles said the same thing too Agamemnon. Although, Thersites speech gets shut down quickly by Odysseus saying that he has no right talking about a king. I wonder why Odysseus publicly humiliates Thersites verbally and physically if one of his characteristics is being “wise”. I also wonder why Agamemnon did not defend himself just like how he did with Achilles.

     Something that really caught my attention was the beginning of The Iliad Book 4. The way this book started was with The Gods all surrounded by Zeus deciding how to conclude the fight between Alexandros and Menelaos. Lines (4.1-4.4) "Now the gods at the side of Zeus were sitting in counci l over the golden floor, and among them the goddess Hebe poured them nectar as wine, while they in the golden drinking-cups drank to each other, gazing down on the city of the Trojans." It sounded as though the Gods were playing a critical game of chess deciding which move would be best to make next... A question that came to mind was what exactly happens when the Gods disagree? Taking into consideration the favoritism that Athene has for Menelaos, and Aphrodite for Alexandros. Which Goddess will have her way? Does Zeus ultimately have the final say?

So I just wanted to point something out first, and I'm sure it's obvious, but the names of the characters are funny and at first kinda hard to pronounce. For instance in Iliad1 line 22 and line 42,  one of the characters that I had trouble pronouncing their name was Agamemnon and from line 42 was Danaans. It really took me a good minute or two to figure it out. But yeah, at first I didn't even know how to being sounding out the names, so I hope I wasn't the only one who had a little trouble with the names. Also, I would like to point out from Iliad1. 37-42, I found it interesting how the Old man prayed to Apollo but his praying sounded more to me as if he was demanding his god for help or to take action because he owed him one. As if he had always done favors for his gods now its only right for them to return a solid. And indeed he needs that help to get his daughter back but maybe he could've actually prayed, instead of being demanding. However, the Old man is des...

    After reading Book 3 of "The Illiad" , I found one quote quite interesting and it brought up a few questions . Antenor states "But whenever resourceful Odysseus got up to speak, he'd stand there looking down, eyes fixed on the ground , not moving that staff of his either forward or back, but clutching it, rooted firm , like some ignorant fellow ........ appearance." (Lines 216-224). Here, Antenor is praising Odyssesus for his outstanding speaking ability , while he makes it clear that there is a difference in Menelaos's  speaking ability , which is more nimble, has clarity, and never goes off topic. (Lines 212-215) . With Antenor comparing the way both men speak , I wonder if he is being mischievous and trying to start something , or if he is trying to show us that there is some competition between Menelaos and Odysseus ?

Hey everyone! It's up, and it's functional... as far as I can tell. This is our online headquarters, a place where we can all put our brains together and help enrich the readings outside of the classroom. You'll be glad to know  you are all guinea pigs  in a grand pedagogical experiment! This is the first time I've employed this kind of interaction to a class I've taught, so you have - by your contributions - the power to teach me how to teach!