Lit Hum Semester One Final Study Guide PDF

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Resource for a comprehensive review of themes and books discussed throughout Lit Hum. Extremely useful for midterm and final preparation. ...

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FINAL LIT HUM STUDY GUIDE

2016-2017

THE ILIAD (HOMER) [plot summary] THE ILLIAD picks up at the end of the Trojan War –a ten-year long war fought between the Achaians and the Trojans. Chryses, the priest of Apollo pleads with the Achaians to return to him his daughter whom they captured in battle. When the Achaians refuse, Apollo plagues the Achaians. Agamemnon, leader of the Achaians, finally gives up the daughter in order to end the plague, but only after he is fairly compensated by taking the girl previously given to Achilles. Achilles, the greatest Achaean warrior, is dishonored and insulted by the unfair exchange, and resorts to withdrawing from the war in order to punish the Achaians. To further hinder the Achaians in battle, Achilles also attempts to seek out help from Zeus, by asking his own mother, the goddess named Thetis, to persuade him. Without support from Achilles or Zeus, the Achaians face difficult challenges against the powerful Trojan army. The Achaians meet the Trojans and a duel between Menelaus and Paris ensues to try and settle the war for good. The gods intervene and the duel is left unresolved. Fighting continues back and forth between the two sides. Both sides agree to have a day of peace to bury their dead, and strengthen their defenses. Afterwards, the fighting continues for a few days, and the Trojans, with the help of the gods, begin to take the lead in the war. The Achaians unite and recall that Troy is destined to fall. Agamemnon, fearing the Trojan’s victory, offers Achilles great wealth if he rejoins the war, but Achilles refuses. The Achaians send spies across the Trojan border, who encounter one of their enemies. They threaten him to gain information about the Trojans, which they use to launch several successful attacks. The next day the Trojans attack the Achaian’s camp, breaking through the walls of the camp and forcing the troops all the way back to their ships. With Zeus backing the Trojans, the Achaians have now been forced as far back as their ships. Zeus now takes his attention away from the battle and Poseidon takes advantage of this. In the form of Calchas, he rekindles their spirit. Consequently, the Achaians drive Hector back but Hector wounds Poseidon’s grandson and so Poseidon imbues Idomenus with super strength. Hector continues the assault, but having lost some of their soldiers, the Trojans lose confidence. Polydamas persuades Hector to fall back and regroup. Hector tries to do so, but most of his front line is dead. Great Ajax then insults Hector and he has an eagle flying on his right, a good omen for the Achaians. The Achaians analyze their situation and again Agamemnon suggest retreating. Odysseus calls him a coward and Diomedes rallies the troops together. Meanwhile, away from the battlefield, Hera tricks Aphrodite to give her a breast band with the power of love and longing and then by promising Sleep one of her daughters, she tricks Zeus. When Zeus sees Hera wearing the band he is immediately seduced and has sex with her. Sleep then makes Zeus fall asleep and allows Hera to tell Poseidon to help the Achaians while Zeus is asleep. The Achaians, with new help, charge the Trojans. Great Ajax knocks over and injures Hector with a boulder forcing him back to the city. Without Hector the Trojans are forced back easily into the city. Zeus wakes up and sees the turmoil. Hera tries to direct the blame on Poseidon but Zeus promises that he will continue to help Trojans but has no personal interest in the war. He also knows that Troy is still fated to fall. Zeus then has Iris stop Poseidon from helping Achaians and orders Apollo to help Trojans. Hector again charges and again progresses all the way to Achaian ships. Teucer who had killed many Trojans that day breaks his bow (because of Zeus) and is stopped from killing further. Patroclus begs Achilles to fight or at least let him wear his armor. Achilles still refuses to fight but agrees to let him wear his armor. With Patroclus wearing Achilles’ armor, the battle turns again in favor of the Achaians. Patroclus goes on a killing spree and even kills Zeus’ son Sarpedon. Zeus decides to kill Patroclus after he has slain the Trojans more. Zeus imbues Hector with cowardice and he leads the Trojan retreat. Patroclus chases the Achaians up to the Trojan gates. Apollo finally persuades Hector to stand up to Patroclus but Patroclus spears Hector’s charioteer though and in the frenzy to get the charioteer’s armor, Apollo wounds Patroclus before Hector finishes him off. Notable is while Hector relishes in killing Patroclus, Patroclus reminds Hector that he is only the third person to strike him.

A fight breaks out over Patroclus’ body in order to take the armor. In the end, it is Hector who gets it. Zeus continues to support the Trojans, but not whole-heartedly. He allows the Achaians to take away Patroclus’ body. News of Patroclus’ death makes Achilles decide to rejoin war the war in a stirring sign of mourning through tearing out hair and elegant speech from himself and Briseis. Iris convinces him to appear on the battlefield and this is enough to make the Trojans retreat in fear. That night, Hector decides to continue the assault, despite contrary advice from Polydamus. The other soldiers all agree with Hector because Athena has robbed them of their wits. Hephaestus also makes Achilles new armor and a new shield that contains imagery of the domestic strongholds that Achilles is fighting for. Night falls for the first time since book ten, marking Achilles’ entry into the war. Achilles rejoins the battle and reconciles with Agamemnon who returns Briseis. Achilles wants to fight immediately, but is persuaded to let the army eat, with the exception that he does not so Zeus tells Athena to fill Achilles’ stomach with food. Achilles blames the horses for leaving Patroclus’ body behind, but the horses tell him that there was divinity at work. Zeus fearing that Troy will fall before its fated time, allows the gods to intervene. At first the gods hurry down, but eventually they decide to let the soldiers fight for themselves. Apollo encourages Aeneas to fight Achilles. They begin dueling and as Achilles is about to kill Aeneas, Poseidon save him. Hector then also wants a piece of Achilles but is told to wait by Apollo until Achilles comes to him. However, Hector is too anxious and challenges Achilles. He fights poorly and Apollo saves him from defeat. Achilles continues to slaughter the Trojans and each time he kills someone, he tosses the body into the river Xanthus. The river god protests because the bodies are clogging up the river so Achilles agrees to stop throwing them into the river but he does not tardy. The River God pities the Trojans and asks Apollo for help. Achilles then hears the plea and attacks the god. The River God nearly kills Achilles but Hephaestus saves Achilles by boiling the river by setting fire to a nearby floodplain. The gods fight amongst themselves as Athena defeats Ares and Aphrodite, while Poseidon challenges Apollo. Apollo refuses to fight over mortals and Hera reacts badly to Artemis asking Apollo to fight. Priam sees the carnages and opens the city gates so the soldiers can come in. Hector remains the only soldier left outside. Despite Priam’s pleading, Hector refuses to come inside as he feels ashamed of giving the order to charge the Achaians. As a result, Hector and Achilles finally meet. Hector flees at first. Zeus considers saving him but Hera persuades him not to. She claims Hector’s time has come. Athena appears in front of Hector as one of his allies and convinces him to fight Achilles. They exchange spear throws but both miss. When Hector turns to his ally, his ally has disappeared and he realizes he has been tricked. IN a final, desperate bid for glory he charges Achilles. Hector is wearing Achilles’ old armor and Achilles knowing its weak points, time a spear throw that goes through Hector’s neck. While dying, Hector pleads to be returned to the Trojans but Achilles lets him get ravaged by dogs and birds. Achilles holds Patroclus’ funeral the next day and then holds some games in his honor. However, a chariot race which Diomedes wins with the help of Athena causes trouble. Achilles wants to give Antilochus’ 2nd place prize to the last place finisher because Athena has robbed him. The men get into a huge argument but they eventually reconcile. Achilles continues to abuse Hector’s body though Apollo prevents it from being damaged and staves of dogs and bird from feeding off it. Apollo persuades Zeus that Achilles must let Hector’s body be ransomed. Priam goes into the Achaian camp and begs for Hector’s body. Achilles finally agrees and takes the treasures offered by Priam in exchange. Priam leaves with Hector’s body and a funeral is held. Achilles finally realizes that he is soon to dies and that his father will soon suffer the pain being suffered by Priam, melting his rage.

[characters] Achilles – While comprehensive in its scope, the Iliad arguably centers on Achilles’ rage and his development through the course of the epic. It is interesting that his character, the greatest warrior of the Greeks spends a surprisingly small

time fighting. He is demonstrated as angry and prideful, however, he believes strongly in the honor code that he compares himself to a “mother bird.” Agamemnon – Despite being Achilles’ physical inferior, he remains the hierarchical ruler of all the Achaians. The epic communicates some of his insecurity through his petulant behavior through the epic, from the inciting incident that causes Achilles rage to his misunderstanding of Achilles when he attempts to return Briseis. He would be useless without Odysseus, Nestor and Diomedes. Odysseus – Odysseus, while not as experienced as the venerable Nestor is clearly a voice of great intellect, creativity and reason. Despite the large personalities around him, he remains relatively normal and seems driven by the desire to return to Ithaca. It should be noted that he is the only major character to survive the war and all its repercussions. Ajax – After Achilles, he is considered to be the greatest warrior and is often characterized as steadfast. It should be noted that there is not much to say about him, possibly because he himself says little. Due to this, he is often pictured as slightly dull and incomplete in the total Greek view of masculinity of stateliness. Diomedes – Diomedes is the youngest of the commanders, causing him to be impulsive at times. Despite this, he has a great moment of aristeia when Athena inspires him to wound both Ares and Aphrodite. Nestor – Nestor, who is the eldest of the commanders, is portrayed as the voice of reason, trying at the very beginning to sooth the relationship between Achilles and Agamemnon. Nestor, along with Odysseus is well respected for his oratory and often brings courage into the men by citing the glorious past, making references to other mythic figures. Menelaus – Although Menelaus does make it home, it would be wrong to call him a major character as his role is limited despite the fact that it is his wife who was stolen. However, he is still regarded as a great warrior, evidenced by the great expectation that he would beat Paris in a one-to-one combat. Hector – Hector is clearly the Trojan foil of Achilles. He is regarded as the greatest warrior of the Trojans. However, this is a slight mystery as he is constantly seen running from the Greeks, especially Achilles at the end, and misinterpreting vital signs. However, he is portrayed as an honorable man who cares deeply about his family. The central Trojan tragedy revolves around his decision to sacrifice his life for a cause that has no personal involvement with him except with duty. Priam – Priam is the king of Troy, father to Hector and Paris. He is generally well-regarded for his benevolent rule and despite his inextricable ties to Paris, he is respected by both Greeks and Trojans. It should be noted that he handles the internal situation with Helen delicately. Paris – Paris, who took Helen to Troy, can aptly be summarized as the whole reason for this whole mess. Despite his expected responsibility for having started this kind of conflict, he shirks from this in favor of spending time with Helen. He fights with a bow and arrow but despises getting in the fray of the war and is often characterized in woman-like terms.

[thematic analysis] 1. Hospitality: a. All agents in the poem are forced to provide respectable treatment to each other (You can look at the inciting incident as a violation of Menelaus’ hospitality among many other things) b. Achilles treats Priam with respect. This shows how broad of a value hospitality is, one that transcends even the most hateful barriers. 2. Forced Brotherhood (Xenia): The importance of family transcends war 3. Aristeia: Moments of nobility that elevate characters to a near god status. Look for comparisons to certain gods. These instances involve images of light and bravery. 4. Significance of names: Titles carry a lot of importance to the defining characteristics of each character.

5. 6. 7.

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a. Achilles is described as swift, a character that emphasizes his link to his similarly described mother Thetis, superseding even his identity as the greatest Achaian warrior. b. Odysseus is characterized as resourceful (or more accurately, crafty), a quality that shines in his counsel and ones that becomes important in books that come after the Iliad. Celebration of respect and civilization: a. A modern reading cast doubt on the Achaian barbarians while lamenting the death of the civilized Troy. Structure of the houses (oikos): Hector’s household is celebrated. His decision to choose duty is a tragedy that is spelled out by Andromache reminding her husband of his family. Social structure in the Iliad: a. Thersides is shut down despite the value of his speech b. Strength is irrelevant in the conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon. This is a war for respect and seeking growth and maturity. Agamemnon in the end fails to acknowledge his emotional immaturity while Achilles achieves nobility by turning his grief for Patroclus into his defining moment. Savagery: As the Iliad progresses, we see a continuous devolvement of values. a. This is demonstrated by Odysseus wearing animal pelts. These animal pelts become barbaric symbols of rank. The fact that the pelts are still separated by rank demonstrates the persistence of this social hierarchy. Focus on ritual: a. Things are always done with a certain ritual because of the perceived importance (seen as a marker of culture in the Odyssey). b. Examples: Funeral rituals for Patroclus

THE ODYSSEY (HOMER): [plot summary] THE ODYSSEY takes place a decade after the citadel of Troy is sacked. It focuses on the journey of Odysseus from Troy to his island of Ithaca. While away, his wife Penelope is being courted by a crowd of unruly suitors who are literally eating the family “out of home and home.” She wards them off by having them wait for her to finish weaving a blanket for Odysseus’ father, but she unravels it every night, a demonstration of Penelope’s shrewdness. Telemachus, Odysseus’ only son who he has not seen since he left for the war, is the only one left to guard the fort. Young and inexperienced, he is really no challenge to the suitors. The story begins with Telemachus, leaving Odysseus out until the later parts of the epic. Deeply bothered by the disrespect of the crowd in his house, and commanded by Athena, who takes the form of Mentor throughout the epic, Telemachus travels to the homes of Nestor and Menelaus. The former does not have much information to offer, but the latter tells what he has learned from the Old Man of the Sea about Odysseus and then lets Telemachus return home. Book five introduces Odysseus when Hermes is sent to release Odysseus from Calypso’s island. Odysseus builds a raft and travels to the land of the Phaiakians. En route, his ship is smashed by Poseidon, who is angry with him for hurting Polyphemus. He arrives at the island is taken in by Nausikaa, who is under the influence of Athena. He enters the city and ends up at the knees of King Alkinoos. They feast and play games in which Odysseus excels and are alter sung to by a singer. The songs are about Odysseus and the War and they cause him to weep while he tries to hide his face. Eventually, he reveals his identity and tells the story of his long journey from Troy to their island. In order, he tells them of the Kilkonians, lotus eaters, Cyclops, Aeolus, Laistrygones, Circe, Hades, Sirens (after a return to Circe), Skylla and Charybdis, island of Helios and then Kalypso. They then offer him a high place in the city, and the hand of Nausikaa, but instead he asks for safe passage back to Ithaca. They drop him off on the island with his gifts as he sleeps. On their way back, Poseidon turns the Phaiakian ship to stone, for he is angered at the safe return of Odysseus. Athena shrouds Odysseus in cloud so that he will not be bothered while he sleeps. She disguises herself as a young boy and eventually reveals to him the truth about where he is and the situation in Ithaca. She disguises him as an old beggar and tells him to stay with his swineherd for a while. There, Odysseus tests the swineherd’s loyalty and is briefed of the

situation in Ithaca. Telemachus arrives and when they are alone together, Odysseus reveals himself to his son. The two begin plotting an attack on the suitors and Odysseus returns to his home still disguised as a beggar. He spends time amongst the suitors, testing the loyalty of his wife and his servants. After Penelope arranges for marriage games to take place, the suitors return home and in their absence, Odysseus and his son hide all the weapons. Before the games, Odysseus’ servant Eurykleia recognizes him by his scar. On the day of the games, none of the suitors can string the bow and Odysseus is granted a try. After stringing it and shooting an arrow through the axe loops, he beings to attack the suitors with his son. With the help of Athena, they kill each suitor and then Odysseus cleans the house before he allows Penelope to enter. She initially does not believe it is he, but after he speaks of the bedroom he built, she is convinced of his identity. Odysseus visits Laertes, his father where he is welcomed warmly. While there, the relatives of the suitors’ attack Odysseus’ family but after a battle with Laertes, Odysseus and Telemachus, Athena tells them all not to fight.

[major characters] Odysseus – Quite obviously, the main character of the Odyssey. In the places where he is known, he impresses with his wisdom and intelligence. While loved by Athena, he is hated by Poseidon, who is the main divine obstacle to his journey home. While he is motivated by the very grounded reason to get home, like all heroes, Odysseus Is flawed and does stupid things such as taunt Polyphemus. His men sometimes reflect this pride to, such as eating Hyperion’s cattle. He is also noted for his craftsmanship, in building the raft and his own bedroom. Penelope – The struggles of Penelope, reflect the larger domestic focuses of the Odyssey. She takes a back seat to Odysseus’ exploits, but she is portrayed as resolute and shrewd in her handling of the suitors. She is well-noted for her faith to Odysseys. Telemachus – The other major part of the Odyssey other than Odysseus’ exploits is the coming-of-age of Telemachus. Telemachus grew up without a father, which leaves him directionless at the beginning of the epic. However, under guidance from Mentor and through a final battle with his father, he begins to find himself. Athena – Athena acts beyond the role of goddess here, in the form of Mentor, as a surrogate father for Telemachus. Additionally, she defends Odysseus throughout his entire journey, clashing with Poseidon, who wants him drowned in the sea. She has a heavy hand in the happenings of the epic, orchestrating almost the entire assault against the suitors. Antinoos and the suitors – Portrayed as the despicable violators of the sacred rules of hospitality, their ending seems well-deserved. Eurykleia – One of the most faithful servants. She is the first to recognize Odyss...