Blog # 3 - The Iliad

Please read chapters 4 & 5 and  respond to the following prompts.  Write in complete sentences.  Give specific examples from the text.  Incorporate quotes when stipulated.

Chapter 4
1.  Which literary term is at work in the following quote?  "As a waterfall pours down the face of a cliff into the dark stream below, so Agamemnon stood weeping before the gathering" (58).

2.  What are some of the gifts Agamemnon bestows upon Achilles?  Use a quote as support.  What would the gifts be equivalents of today?  What do we call them?

3.  I've already posed this question, but what is Achilles's biggest character flaw?  What is he unable to do?

4.  What would you choose?  A long life or everlasting fame?  Which does Achilles choose?

5.  What is Achille's rationale for not joining in the fighting?  Use a quote as support.

Chapter 5
1.  Many words and phrases are continually repeated, as we discussed in the introduction to The Iliad.  Please cite 3.

2.  What is the equivalent of Achilles's and Patroclus's relationship in Japan?  What might we call it in other words?

3.  Explain the following quote.  Achilles is speaking to Patroclus.  "Win enough glory that the Greeks will return Briseis to me along with many impressive gifts, but not so much glory that your success will less my own honor" (62).

4.  We see a lot of interference of the gods in this section.  Does this lessen or increase the mortals' free will?  How much free will do you have in your life right now?  Who or what restricts it?  When will you get more free will?

5.  To me this story deals extensively with leadership.  Choose Agamemnon or Achilles and argue why he is the better leader.  One paragraph.  Use at least one quote. 

Blog # 2 - "The Labors and Death of Heracles"

Respond to the following prompts in complete sentences.  Incorporate quotes when required.
Your responses must be between 2 - 4 sentences.

1.  We have many students of mixed nationalities here at HIS, but what's unique about Heracles's parentage?  Use a quote as support.  Make sure you incorporate your quote.

2.  What was the first feat Heracles accomplished?  How old was he?

3.  We've discussed a lot about punishment.  What does Heracles get away with?  Does this teach us a lesson?  Should we forgive?

4.  What's the one feat Heracles accomplishes that actually helps the mortals instead of simply pleasing the whims of Eurystheus? Use a quote as support.

5.  Is it a noble trait to trick Atlas?  Is this respectable behavior?

6.  How does this myth depict women?  In a positive or negative light?  Use a quote as support.

7.  Explain where three locales (places) mentioned in the text are in the modern world.  

Blog # 1 - "The Ages of Man"

Respond to the following prompts in complete sentences.  2 - 5 sentences should suffice for each one.  Use quotes when stipulated.

1.  True or false?  Hesiod wrote myths based on other myths?  Does this make him more "academic"?

2.  What were three reversals in values with the Bronze Race of mortals?  Use quotes.  Cite in MLA format.

3.  Based on this section of reading, does good behavior get rewarded?  Is this true in our era?

4.  To which race do we belong?  Do you agree with what Hesiod wrote about us?  Is he accurate?  Give two examples.  Use quotes and cite in MLA format.

5.  OK, who cares about good or bad?  Which race would you liked to have belonged?  Why?  Give me the goods folks!

Welcome!

Please create an account and sign up for this blog.  Make sure to use your REAL NAME so I know who you are.  Also, please post your class section for the time being until I get to know who you are...