Book VIII:

“Force does turn people into things, but Homer turns them back into humans.” --Joan K


  • 1. Another Duel! How similar is this duel to the one between Paris and Menelaus? Is it part of a cycle?

  • 2. Why did the Greeks wait 9 years to build a wall? What might have prompted them now? What does it mean?

  • 3. Choose your time.
    When the Greeks have left with their ships for home,
    Smash the wall to bits and sweep it out to sea
    Is there any reason why Zeus here should be talking to Poseidon? What is Poseidon’s gripe? (Poseidon or Neptune was god of the sea), is there any parallel, especially in the way Lombardo translates this, to what happens to castles or walls built in the sand at the seaside? What’s the implication for all of man’s castles? What does Fate or Time do to all of man’s “castles” in the sand? What does this foreshadow and what does it say to the listener, and what does it mean? We have not had much talk of the future, what is the effect of this speech and does it say anything about human ambition or arrogance or weakness?

  • 4. How does Book VII foreshadow the rest of the Iliad?

  • 5. Why has mention of Achilles occurred in Book VII? Who made it and what has Book VII to do with the Rage of Achilles?

  • 6. What do the episodes of the careful gathering of the dead, the exchange of gifts, the dialogues and the vows of friendship have to do with an all out war?

    Book VIII:


  • 7. Why is Thetis brought up again on lines 277ff. It’s perfectly clear that something has been fulfilled, but what did Achilles ask her for, and what has Zeus promised to do that’s been accomplished? Do you think it’s what Achilles had in mind?

  • 8. "Enough for now. This is sound strategy." 8. 533. IS it? What’s going on with Hector? Is his move to camp out on the plain in front of the Greeks wise?

  • 9. In line 11 Zeus tells the other gods, let’s get this over with, you all stay out. (l. 11)

  • Do they all follow this order? Why not?
  • Who doesn’t follow it and what are the reasons they don’t? Do you think it would have been better if they had? How would the outcome of the war been different?


    • 10. What is your impression of Zeus in this book? How do you reconcile his pity for Agamemnon with his determination to destroy him?

  • 11. Why is Patroclus introduced into the story at this point and why does Zeus seem to feel that will stop Hera and Athena?

  • 12. How do you think Achilles feels about now? How would you feel if you were in his shoes? Would you be resolute, sulking, or?

  • 13. Is Zeus was responsible for decreeing the downfall of Troy and everything that happened to the various warriors or is some other force is behind it and Zeus, too, must bow to it. If so, what is it? (Shasta)

  • 14. Whose fault is The Trojan War? If Paris had given Helen back as the Trojans had asked, would that have ended the war? Why or why not? Did Paris have a choice when selecting Helen as the most beautiful woman?