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First Class Lecture (Undelivered) -- On the Aristocratic-Warrior Ethos in Homer's Iliad
Class Notes, Sept. 04 Books I & II Pre-discussion information:
The Discussion: The war has been going on for at least nine years; Greeks were looting many cities but were unable to capture Troy. On one of their quests, Agamemnon, the chief leader of Achaeans, has captured a woman named Chryseis. Her father, a priest of Apollo, brought ransom in exchange for his daughter. While all Achaeans agreed to accept gifts in exchange for the girl, Agamemnon not only flatly refused but also threatened to kill the priest if he ever came back. With the refusal, Agamemnon dishonored Apollo because the priest's gifts were offered in the god's name. Agamemnon claimed to appreciate the woman's physical, intellectual, and social attributes( her feminine excellence, which he expressed to be superior to even his own wife's). Agamemnon maintained that he truly appreciated those qualities and honored them in an extraordinary way; he valued them so much as to say that "The good is superior to what I have I will honor it as such." The priest prayed to Apollo, and the god brought fire and death to all Achaeans. On the tenth day of the rampant events, an assembly wondered how to find out why the gods were angry and how to assuage their wrath. When the assembly's seer revealed the cause of the matter, Agamemnon agreed to return the girl but demanded a replacement. Agamemnon requested that his new prize be Achilles' mistress, Brises. This request did have a purpose; it was as a sharp knife into Achilles' ego. Agamemnon was a quarrelsome leader whose desire was to dominate
all best men. Achilles was one of the greatest warriors in the army, a
warrior to whose standards Agamemnon could not measure. Agamemnon
appeared not to have been certain of his position in the society;
however, because his social status was higher than Achilles', he took
advantage of that to elevate himself above one of the greatest,
Achilles. Again, the loss of honor was the issue, and Achilles became
furious with Agamemnon. For Greeks, who lived mostly a public life, the
ultimate goal was to acquire prestige and honor. Their focus in life was
to acquire and defend their honor by all means possible. This part of
the Iliad illustrates how important honor was to all men of the ancient
world. The war started, not because of a woman, but because a man's
honor was injured. The nine days of raging Apollo were also brought
about by not honoring a priest who called upon the return of his
daughter in exchange for extraordinary gifts of Apollo. And finally, two
men who fought on the same side were parted because each man felt that
the other was dishonoring him. In the essence, the expedition to capture
Troy had no moral meaning. The loss of one man's honor was the other's
gain of honor. The man whose honor was taken away could only regain it
by taking his honor back in the same way it was taken from him; thus,
the cycle continued. Family Relationships: In a typical family there was a husband, wife, children, and slaves. People married for convenience not for love. Women typically had no status or political rights. Although they were expected to run the house, farm and raise the children. Women did have slaves to help them with all their work. The number of slaves showed how wealthy the household was. Most households had only one slave. Money also determined the class people were put in. Men often had mistresses for intellectual companionship. Sons were considered to be competition to other sons. Sappho: Iliad: The confusing parts of this book are the Greek names. Achaeans are Greeks from the mainland. And Helens are all Greeks in general. Paris is also Latin for Alexandros. Agamemnon takes a girl named Chrysius. This girl's father named her after himself since she was his first born. The priest loved his daughter so much that he came after her bearing a sacred peace sign. This sign meant that he was protected from any harm or further theft. He also brought more then was required for ransom. Agamemnon refuses to accept the ransom and return the girl. The priest (father) is so upset that he asks Apollo to help him. Apollo favors this priest because he built Apollo a temple and dedicated his life to him. So Apollo (a Trojan god) does what the priest asks and devastates the Greeks. Agamemnon really likes Chrysius, he likes her better then his own wife at home. He doesn't want to give her back. Chrysius is tall and stands out in a crowd, she is intelligent, physically and sexually attractive, she is skilled (sings, dances, weaves?) and well educated. Chrysius is female excellence at its greatest. Agamemnon wants to honor this excellence even though it is not his own. Agamemnon is not male excellence but Achilles is. When Achilles walks out onto the battlefield the opponent know that they are going to die. Because Achilles is the best in battles, he is the best on foot, chariot, and the fastest runner. Achilles surrounds himself with excellent men, the men are attracted to him they admire him, look up to him and want to follow him. Agamemnon is very jealous of Achilles, and he tells him that he does not like him and that he is a troublemaker. Odysseus is comes up with great strategize. Odysseus as well as Ajax admires Achilles but not Agamemnon, because Agamemnon is not good in battle. Agamemnon surrounds himself with women and his prizes because he feels insecure without them. He is very needy, his treasures add security to his life, he thinks that the treasures he has will get other people to respect him. In Agamemnon's past, he had a daughter that he loved greatly. He also has a seer named Kalchas. Once Agamemnon was stranded at sea and the seer said that in order to get the winds back to get them moving they would have to make a human sacrifice. And that sacrifice would have to be his daughter. This tore out Agamemnon's heart, because he loved his daughter so much. But he followed through and sacrificed his daughter. When he found Chrysius he was reminded of his daughter, she was like a replacement. Kalchas is the one who told Agamemnon he had no choice but to give Chrysius back. Agamemnon called Kalchas an evil seer because he only brings him bad news. Agamemnon agrees to give back the girl, but only if he could have a replacement. Since there were no other women around he announced he would take someone else's wife. Achilles tells Agamemnon that he is greedy. It was Agamemnon's fault that everyone was suffering from the angry God Apollo; he would not give the girl back for the more then reasonable ransom that was first offered. Usually when someone goes out to battle they receive honor in the form of tokens. But Agamemnon gets the best of everything and he doesn't even go out to battle. Agamemnon gets first choice because he is in charge; he is in charge because he is the wealthiest. He brought the most men and ships and loaned some out to people who didn't have any. Agamemnon inherited all this wealth. The wealthiest is in charge because it is easier, he was supposed to listen to advisors but he does not because he has his own desires and intentions. In anger towards Achilles he decides his replacement shall be Briseis, Achilles' wife. Now Briseis was chosen for Achilles by his best friend Patrocles. Briseis loves Patrocles though this is because he saved her from slavery when Achilles killed her family. Patrocles was trying to give Briseis some consolation for all she had to suffer he also thought that Briseis would make Achilles the best. When Agamemnon says he will take Briseis from him he gets angry and wants to kill him. But he is stopped by the Goddess Athena, Achilles likes and obeys Athena and Agamemnon is not killed. In taking Briseis Agamemnon defeats the purpose of the mission and no one stands up to him. Unable to overthrow Agamemnon on his own Achilles withdraws and goes to his mother. Agamemnon is no longer participating in the battles, and without him they will fall.
Class Notes, Sept. 09 Books III & VI The Trojan Woman And The Men Who Love Them The women are inferior. They can be used as trophies. They have no authoritative power, as when Hector refuses his wife's advice and puts her down. Women must remain faithful, save Helen. They usually remain seen and not heard. Gods explained anything in life, as with Zeus and lightning and Apollo and dawn. Some gods are used to justify rumor, some are used for the unexplained. Gods are blamed for mishaps that occur, however most humans do not rely on divine intervention. Alexandros says war is mostly luck, which is proven due to his broken helmet strap. If gods don't intervene then how come he disappears? Helen first appears on pg. 103 in the chamber where she is weaving a web. The web is made of scenes of war that is occurring all around her. Helen has feelings of remorse for war, feels it is all her fault, belongs no where. Achilles is alienated, then Helen. Hector and Odysseus are the most at home here. Leaves chamber and goes to the wall, where the old, wise men comment on how Helen is almost an excuse for the war. Priam does not blame Helen but rather the gods. Helen wishes to return to her community where she doesn't fell alienated. The men were sworn to protect her and she had security. After the wall, Aphrodite puts Alexandros in his bed and then calls Helen. Helen becomes emotional towards Aphrodite and repels her. The goddess becomes angry and threatens Helen if she disobeys. In this part, Helen forgets her place and lashes out at the goddess, realizing that her life has taken a tremendous downward spiral. Once Helen confronts Alexandros she lets her feelings go. She shows her hatred and anger, yet her regret of the life she left. She at first wants him dead, but then changes her mind. Alexandros in return realizes that he could have died so he wants to calm down life with lovemaking. He tries to rekindle the passion that they shared on their lone island and succeeds. The fire of their love has come back. Two alienated people find each other after all has gone on. The cause of the war is repeated, only now they are empty shells of themselves rather than happy and full of life Later, Hector goes to his mother to get her to make a sacrifice to Athena, which she does. Then he seeks out Alexandros to tell him to come and fight and finds him with Helen. She speaks badly of Alexandros while he is there. Hector leaves and goes to his wife. Andromache tells him not to return to fight, but when he says he must then she gives him sound counsel for the war. Hector exemplifies the person who is well rounded in society. He knows what to say, when to say it, and who to say it to. He shows that a war-like person can have a soft touch for the ones he loves. Greek burials: - Poor wine or perfume: offer it to the spirit. Sometimes there were small animal sacrifices at the house sometimes at the tomb not the same that would be offered to the gods. Education of women: Educated in the home Slaves were not educated Girls
- weaving, dancing, physical education Could be educated in school - grammar,
rhetoric, dialogue (associated with men - prostitutes) Before Trojan war, women
could vote but the privilege was taken away Women prepared for marriage by going
to a finishing school Spartan women were free of all duties besides childbearing
Could not live with husband until after ten years Learned about sports - taunt
men Spartan women had to be educated Menelaos and Alexandros are fighting Alexandros receives unfair help from Aphrodite; she broke the strap of Alexandos' helmet Aphrodite spirits him back to his chamber Aphrodite forces Helen to go to Paris upon pain of death; Helen goes unwillingly - Helen tells goddess she is tired of being used as a reward for the men that Aphrodite loves - She says if she loves him so much, she should go sleep with him, live with him, or be his slave perhaps Aphrodite favors those who are almost as beautiful as her - she worships the image of herself in others; . Aphrodite is narcissistic. Back-story: at the wedding of Hera and Peleus, the goddess of Discord was not invited, so she threw a golden apple into the wedding addressed to the most beautiful goddesses; Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena go to Paris to decide - he chooses Aphrodite and Helen falls in love with him as a reward, even though she is already married. Paris is an archer - takes luck rather than skill; he's a lover not a fighter Helen tells Paris she wishes he was dead, She says to go forth and fight Menelaos. She wants him to go back and challenge him; then takes it back - she both loves and hates him Paris is even more lustful than ever because he has just looked death in the face (Paris and Helen's relationship does not fit into the community - their relationship would be ideal on a desert island) This is also revenge for what Menelaos did to him during the fight. Helen gives herself over to Paris yet again - there is no one else for her and no one else for him Hector is everything Alexandros is not - his people love him Hector goes into the city to tell the women to make offerings to Athena to get help for the Trojans - to promise sacrifices and to lay her finest robe on Athene's knees - the robe is a stolen robe, not Hecube's own work - the destruction that comes to Troy is the Trojan's own doing Hector goes to Paris and tells him to go fight and not be a coward - he finds Alexandros contemplating whether or not he should go back into war - Alexandros is hanging back, while Helen urges him to fight - Helen accuses Paris of not being steadfast, when she is just as bad - Hector does not disrespect Helen - Helen thinks that she would be better off dead than alive right now Andromache's family has been killed by Achilles; she is a foreigner who has married Hector, but Troy is her new home; her world revolves around her family. She tells Hector not to fight, but she gives him strategic advice; he would have felt ashamed if he had not gone back to battle. Hector tells her the thing that worries him most is what will happen to Andromache after he is gone, not even the destruction of Troy Hector is the best warrior, but he is also the best family man - a real human being; Hector is perfect: "a man's man in a world that embraces him" They have a sense of community duty to others a sense of what is right and what is wrong. Hector is a GOOD person. He is some one that the reader can connect with. Hector is perfect. He has values that people can understand Hector puts country first, wife second, and himself last.
Class Notes, Sept. 11 Book IX Bill chose to do Greek weapons and compared some to weapons in use
today. High officers fought in chariots much like the tanks of today.
They used primitive weapons such as swords, which were short and
spiked. The swords were like our guns. The Greeks had armor plating
made of bronze and they used leg guards which came from their knees to
their ankle. The Servants fought hand to hand combat. Odysseus Achilles In this speech, Achilles views have change. He used to be all about the women and the rewards. By having Briseis taken away, he has learned a couple of things. One being that you should love and honor your love of one's own. He disagrees with society because of this experience. He is no longer the man that was once known by Odysseus. They tell him they are pretty much lost without him, but he no longer cares. Phoinix Ajax We will be discussing the outlines of the ambassador's speeches. The Heralds will present. Jen's topic is the Olympic Games. Everyone in the Greek world who were men and spoke Greek could compete in the games. There were games such as: boxing, disc throwing, the gaveling, jumping, and tough men contest. There were no rules expect no biting or grabbing where you shouldn't. They didn't have that many events and two were just the other games combined. They had a rule called Kado, which meant they would keep fighting even after the person fell. Another rule let the person stand up before they were allowed to continue the fight. They where allowed to call off the fight. Women where not allowed to see the games unless they were young and virgins because the games were played in the nude. Nicole's topic was also the Olympic Games. The story behind the nudity is that during a game a guys shorts can off and he kept going. Some just say that Sparta introduced the nudity. Teacher- A young man was trained after his mother and after they found out they asked everyone to be nude so that they can make sure there were no women. Nicoles- It started as a religious ceremony for Zeus in the 9-10th century B.C. All Greeks assembled at the games and a peace call was announced. The reason for this was that north of Olympia there were two groups who attacked each other while the games where going on. There was also a festival for Hera, where women competed. The clothing was on and only one breast was shown so hat they may know the players were women. Women who watched the Olympic Games were penalized by death. The awards for victory were iron tripods and cauldrons. In the Iliad the 23 book: Patroklus gets killed and Achilles gets everyone together for the first organized group of games beside the Olympics. Teacher- Javelin throwing was different in the beginning, the games were different, and a piece of rope was tied to the javelin to make it fly straight and longer. Odysseus's speech- He basically put points before and after his speech other than what Agamemnon wanted him to say. The first parts of his speech Odysseus tries to get into Achilles' pride, by speaking of Hector and the battle trying to get him to come back and fight. First thing he did was to congratulate Achilles for his good health. He uses guilt by turning it into how he would feel when all of his friends died. Example on top of page 205. He uses this because the Greeks are deeply into their generation; they use the term son of? Why does Odysseus know what Achilles' father told him? Because Nestor probably told him of what Achilles' father had said to Achilles. Odysseus is using Achilles' fathers tone to get to Achilles. His father tells Achilles not to be so hot headed and to control himself. He would not accept any of the presents that Agamemnon had offered to Achilles. Although Agamemnon would make an oath that he did not touch Achilles' girl. This means that he still respects Achilles. He kept Briseus as an untouched prize. He also offered one of his daughters to Achilles. Many suitors ended up in the court of Agamemnon to win his daughter as soon as she was ready to marry. Agamemnon says he hates Achilles, but still he wins his daughter. Agamemnon also offers land, seven citadels. The best type of lands, meaning he will have his own kingdom, nice land with well cities on it. Agamemnon is trying to prove that he is dedicated to destroying Troy; he is willing to make sacrifices of giving these prizes to Achilles. Achilles speech- He welcomes the counsel of men until he realizes they are here for Agamemnon wishes. Achilles is hanging out by the beach with Patroklos and he was playing his lyre, singing of men's fame. Jen-Achilles says no for a couple of reason. He has been suffering for the entire war. He thinks they are all going to die and that riches don't matter. Agamemnon took what he loved the most and he has nothing to fight for. He tells the men he will never change his mind and wants for everyone to challenge Agamemnon and think why they were fighting. Agamemnon kept his wife; he did what Alexandros did, making him a hypocrite. Teach- we are fighting b/c someone took a girl that didn't belong to him and Agamemnon did the same thing. Hector is a great fighter then Achilles. Alisa- He has given Achilles gifts before and has taken them away, so he can't be trusted. Achilles tells the counsel the he will not be cheated by Agamemnon again. No matter how many gifts he will not fight. Achilles' mom told him that if he fights he will die but get long glory but if he leaves he will live a long life without glory. He tells the men to leave and to live not fight. He asked Phoenix to stay within him. Achilles will be going back to Peleus, but he was waiting for Agamemnon to come crawling back and asking for him, so he could say no. Teacher- A man's life cannot come back or it cannot be lifted once it is crossed the teeth barrier. For nine years he has been fighting but he has not been getting rewards, he complained to Agamemnon. Saying, 'I am not getting the reward I deserve. Achilles tells the men that glory is not all its gloried up to be. He is still angry with Agamemnon. But now it is only a little pain that can be disregarded. Achilles won't take any gifts, he says Agamemnon sinned against me and caused me heart agony and pain, all his values have changed. Achilles changed his world, he experienced what he never thought he would go through, and he no longer believes what the Greeks believe. Achilles has two choices. If we choice to do the hard things and get the glory. Or go the lazy easy path. The point of his fighting is worthless. Should we strive with all our energy to become great? What does it get you in the end? For some Christian's death is not so painful if you do good things on this world will have plentiful treasures in heaven. Achilles needs help now that his values are gone. What are his new ones? Phoinix- Achilles offers him to stay. He reminds Achilles how he was his caretaker. He speaks like a mother to him and Odysseus the father. Phionix sticks up for moms. He says he stood up for his mother against his father and was thrown out. He was cursed that he could never have any children. Achilles becomes like his own child. He raised him and formed him into manhood. Dads model how to act on towards the world. Moms teach morals, what is good and bad. Ruin the god will get you if you don't listen and pray. Teacher- reads page 211- Gods have compassion and if you sin against a god they forgive if you do prayer. 'Who do you think you are and not forgiving Agamemnon,' says Phoinix to Achilles, 'Are you better then a god.' Achilles is doing the same thing as Agamemnon did with the priest and the prizes. Maybe there is a god out there that would punish Achilles. Patroklos is listening to all this while Achilles is just disregarding it. Phoinix tells Patrokolos that his friend is acting stupidly; persuade him to do the right thin before it is too late. Meleagros was cursed and his village was being attacked by a giant boar. He refused help even after his mother begs him to help. Finally his wife convinces him to fight. By the time be fights it's to late and he loses all his glory. Aias' Speech- In the beginning he doesn't talk directly to Achilles, he talks to he talks to the group of men saying that he is too proud. He has grown black hearted and he won't listen. He tells him that he doesn't care about his friends. Pity us he says. The blood ransom, if you lose a brother or father in battle nothing will bring them back. But how do you heal the community. The person that committed the murder will offer the blood money. In order to heal the community you must accept the blood money and then let go. The only thing injured was your pride why don't you engage in healing. He has been offered so many gifts. Achilles loves Briesis so much and in the end is getting her back untouched and still he refuses. Finally addresses Achilles: Tells him he needs to come back and save his people. Achilles answers, 'Everything you said is the way I used to think about it but now you moved me. I am now going to stick around until Hector kills all of you and I will stay to see you all dead and when Hector comes to me them I will kill Hector.'
Class Notes, Sept. 16 Book XVI
Reichwein & O'Leary Death of Patroklos The discussion began with a brief glimpse into Aphrodite presented by Julia. Aphrodite came from the sea. Men were so interested in Aphrodite that Zeus needed to marry her off to lessen the problems amongst men interested in the goddess. After Zeus married her off, men longed for her more than ever. She had numerous extramarital affairs. She bore two children, Arenas and Cupid (Aeros), both boys. Aphrodite's relationship with the Trojan war, was that she loved Alexandros dearly. She loved him so much that she presented him with the fairest woman in the world, Helen. (Julia) Doctor Reynolds responded to Julia's presentation with great interest. He spoke to the class about Greek ways of life. Their ways of life are a reflection of their beliefs. Some people believe the Homeric myths created the gods; but the Greeks believe the gods affected the way Greeks lived and behaved. Hesiod created plenty of background information for the Greeks. Doc Reynolds said, "One does not act beyond one's perceived limits." We must treat studying the Greeks as learning a foreign religion, completely new to us all. Brian expressed his curiosity to Doctor Reynolds asking if the rumors were true that some works were just "attributed" to Homer. Dr. Reynolds responded showing the class that this is a debate among historians. During the 6th century B.C. these oral accounts were written down. It is debatable that Homer was one person or a collaboration of poets in that time. The one outstanding point in these poems is that they still relate to people today, with stories from past generations. Donovan Bowers then came to the class with his herald report on the Phalanx. The phalanx was a form of battle consisting of two armies, carrying long spears and shields. They were covered with armor on their forearms, chest, shins, and they wore helmets. The warriors stood in front of each other ten people deep. The infantry was huge. This was hand-to-hand combat. When they came together the front would strike the other front line trying to find a soft spot. Because shields of their neighboring warriors helped protect each man, the end soldiers were left weakly protected and were therefore targets. (Bowers) The Doc elaborated on Donovan's presentation saying that the ones who died were slow. The soldiers in the back were usually stabbed from behind trying to escape. He told us that Hoplite is the form of warfare where the middle class buys equipment and fight in phalanx formation. Heroic aristocratic warfare was done with champions, like the way Menelaos and Alexandros fought. Two men stood in the middle and represented both armies. The class then took a break and wrote about the anger of Achilleus and dilemma in puts him in. After the writing the class continued its discussion switching the topic at hand to Achilleus' anger. Achilleus is so angry with Agamemnon and how he does not get his due credit, it is driving him crazy. Kelley thinks Achilleus is angry with Agamemnon because Agamemnon reaps the benefits of Achilleus' victories. Now Achilleus leads Patroklos away to fight for Achilleus, similarly to how Agamemnon has Achilleus represent him. Achilleus usually has his mother talk to Zeus for him about his concerns. He tries to speak with Zeus without the middleman, his mother, and begs for Zeus to keep his friend Patroklos safe. Patroklos is glorious in battle sporting Achilleus looks, but dies on the battlefield. Josh took a different approach explaining Achilleus anger. He said that Achilleus is a huge cause of war. He showed remorse for putting the Achaian soldiers in combat for him so he sent his friend to fight courageously for him. The class continued discussing Achilleus sending Patroklos to fight for him. He also sent Patroklos there as safely as possible. He provided him with an army, chariot, and his precious armor. He thought Patroklos would be intimidating if he looked like Achilleus himself. He did caution his friend because Apollo wanted Achilleus dead. He did not want Patroklos to die in his place at the hands of Apollo. He told his friend to play the battle safe and not to lead the people to the gates of Troy, but rather sit back with caution. Dr. Reynolds explained the different parts of the soul believed by the Greeks. The non-calculating part of the soul is the Eros. A philosopher Nous developed these beliefs. Eros refers to lust and erotic nature. It is the part that reacts without thinking and with emotion. Achilleus may have an imbalanced soul Eros and therefore limits himself with his anger. It is right to honor that which is your own says Achilleus. Achilleus is so angry it has torn a whole in the understanding of him and the universe. If you live according to values generated by others, suddenly you find those values are not worth living by. Achilleus believes you should make your own values and live by your own will like he does. He has let someone else experience his values in Patroklos. If you honor your own desires, you must honor the desires of your friends as well. Patroklos questions Achilleus to find out if he is afraid to fight and that is why he does not enter the battle. Achilleus is not fighting because of his new values and he tells Patroklos to toughen up and not cry like a schoolgirl. Mavhurume & Stephenson Herald 1: Athens: every class had duties and the rules were strict in order to maintain their culture. Citizenship was given to males only, for a child to be legitimate both parents had to be citizens of Athens. Slaves could not participate in religious activities and politics; they had to buy their way to get citizenship. However they were able to dominate a lot of trade because masters (Athenians) looked down on trade, this enabled them to accumulate wealth which they then used to buy citizenship. The masters' children could bring slaves to school. They had no social rights and only domestic slaves were allowed in the homes. Herald 2: Alexandra the great, king of Macedonia, was tutored by Aristotle, one of the smartest people. He started off when his father was assassinated, and people did not like him because he was so young. He killed all the people who were against him and his father had built everything for him before he died. Led the attack on Persia, 335bc attacked the Greek city of the Thersians one of the most powerful cities in Greek. 334bc fought against the Persians with an army of 40000people, he had very good war tactics. Fought Darius 3rd and defeated him abandoning his whole family, went to Gaza, and Egypt. He went and sliced the Goring knot which was believed to be the key to the destruction of Asia, people were supposed to untie it; instead he went and cut it. He created a city in Egypt at the mouth of the Nile called Alexandria. It became a centre of great culture. He wanted to be recognized by the gods as a son of a god and he won all his battles. He is said to have been a drunk and alcoholic, he destroyed one city when he was drunk; Killed his best friend once. His death is mysterious since there are different tales to it. All these conquests were over 3 years, no one knows where he is buried, probably somewhere in Egypt. The Agamemnon - Agamemnon just wants things to return to normal as soon as possible, and questions his wife's welcome saying he does not deserve such treatment. This tradition of robes was done for kings of kings and walking on them would mean power and acceptance of that responsibility. It also includes absolute freedom to be godlike. If they can not take complete control of the world then they destroy it. - Agamemnon says some wise words when he arrives, repeats at some of Solon's teachings. This shows us a different Agamemnon from the one who killed his daughter, who goes to war in Troy, and who returns only wanting to settle down. He pleads insanity and says he had treacherous dreams which he uses to excuse his treatment to Achilleus. Agamemnon says he did not receive anything from the war in Troy, except Cassandra. - Clytaemestra shames him when he refuses to walk on the robes because he knows what that would entail if he did and Clytaemestra continues to persist until he gives in. She tells him not to pay attention to the public opinion and tells him to proceed to give himself such treatment. - Clytaemestra uses the argument that he was is own person and so he could do whatever he pleases, to which he manages to change his opinion and does it for her. This is a different Agamemnon from the one we see in the Iliad, he just wants to settle down with his wife after a war - Clytaemestra gives her no chance to plead for himself even though all he is doing points to a changed man who deserves a second chance. She pleads guilty to killing Agamemnon but says that the devil had possessed her through the curse of the house of Atreus. She appeals to the chorus by this argument so that they could let her go. - When she explains to the chorus how she killed him, she explains with such detail that it only points to how much she enjoyed the act of killing him. She is jealous of Cassandra who comes as a mistress to her husband to her household. She seems to get the kicks out of killing these two. - Aegisthus claims that he is the one who planned the whole murder; he comes to take his revenge on Atreus' family by coming to have an affair with Clytaemestra. He relives the statement "sins of the father" (Solonic wisdom) - Cassandra was given the power of prophecy by Apollo in return she is asked to have children for him. She refuses and Apollo rapes her. The hero whom Apollo wanted doesn't come to be and the gods are frustrated then take it out on her. She is a contrast to Aegisthus who is so caught up in the past, yet she is so caught up in the future, she can project the future but has no influence in the events. - Clytaemestra's qualities; deceitful, vengeful, jealous, deranged (emotionally disturbed), cunning, manipulative, lacks compassion, strong willed, intelligent, cowardly.
Class Notes, Sept. 18 Book XXIII Mahoney & Lynch Battle of Marathon: The Persians conquered the Middle East. In 490 B.C. they landed near Athens and the Greeks weren't prepared for the invasion. They sent Oedipus to help the Spartans, but the Spartans wanted to wait until the full moon. The Athenians sent ships to hold the Persians off and the Persians got mad and sent over a punishment. The Athenians come back and attacked, so the Persians spent the next 10 years planning a vicious attack. During this time 6400 Persians died and less than 200 Athenians died. Hephaestus: Hephaestus was the blacksmith of the gods. His parents were Hera and Zeus and it is believed that during an argument Hephaestus sided with Hera, so Zeus threw him from Olympus and he landed on the island Lemnos. He also made armor and created it so bright that it made warriors retreat in its sight and he made immortal houses and hammered lighting bolts for Zeus. Haphestis was also married to Aphrodite. Discussion: The shields, the purpose of the shield at the time and what was happening on it. The boss is the middle of the shield. Why does Achilleus need this shield? It shows the overview of his meaning, why he is fighting, to show how powerful he is, to show how protected he is, and to intimidate opponents. McLean & Lewis (Prometheus) Heralds topics- Zeus and Greek Giants
Zeus was the sixth child and his mother hid him so his father would not be able to eat him…His father ate his siblings so when he grew up he deceived Cronus and forced him to spit up his siblings. He came to power through fraud and he married his sister Hera and nobody knows how many kids he had. Zeus is referred to as Son of Cronus, Zeus of the Thunderbolt, The Cloud Gatherer, The Sky Dweller. Hesiod wrote something about agricultural called works and days. He himself was a farmer. He wrote something about the creation of man and woman and the first woman was Pandora which was created as a punishment to mankind. Prometheus was a minor deity who Aeschylus blew up.
The Greek Giants -when Zeus defeated the Titans, Gaia was upset and wanted revenge so she made the Giants. - The gods killed the giants with the help of Heracles (Hercules) who was a mortal but after showing amazing skill the gods gave him immortality.
In the Agamemnon Zeus enforces the boundaries and if they cross them he comes down hard on them. He seems like a guy who loves humanity and restores balance. In Prometheus Bound see line 220 when Zeus is angry with mankind and wants to blot it out like when God of the Old Testament sent the flood . Prometheus saves mankind. Prometheus is responsible for Zeus’ victory and Zeus is somewhat ungrateful and Prometheus harbors some resentment to Zeus on two grounds ,the unfair distribution of rewards and the pain he has undergone from trying to save mankind. Line 160 – shows that Zeus is a tyrant (Who of Gods is so hard of heart that he finds joy in this) Line149 Line 33 All the people in the play are being somewhat tortured by Zeus. Might and Violence are the props of Zeus’ rule as that is how he attained his throne. A tyrant alone is free; everyone else is a slave as explained by Might in lines 49 and 50 In line 190 it shows that Zeus doesn’t explain himself, he basically sets his own rules as he goes that are pleasing to him. Solon warns Athens against tyrants. They might seem like a temporary solution but once you have embarked along those lines it is hard to come back. Zeus never gives reasons for his actions; Hera is his voice of reasoning. Zeus is setting up Prometheus as an example for anyone who might try to cross him.. Prometheus knows who is going to overthrow Zeus and Zeus doesn’t .Zeus is insecure and his actions come from his basic insecurities and he knows that his father and father’s father got overthrown. Oceanus is very concerned and shows some sympathy to Prometheus and tells him to get in line because he suffered at the hands of Zeus. Zeus is scared that he is losing power. Zeus changes his ideas and punishes Prometheus a second time by locking him away.. Long speech Prometheus line 440- 500..he talks about the advantages that he has given to mankind and draw up a list of benefits…pick one out and tell me why this is the best benefit.
Class Notes, Sept. 23 Book XXIII Lizada & Harrison Greek architecture: Temples were built for religious and political reasons to honor gods. There were three orders of columns used in these temples. A capital is the piece that tops off the column. Doric columns are sturdier with plain capitals on top, mainly used on the mainland and in Sicily. Ionic columns are thinner and more decorative with scroll like carvings on the capital, usually only for decoration. It was used in temples in Eastern Greece and the Islands. The Corinthian style had a leafy design on the capital. It wasn't really used in Greece. Athene: The goddess of wisdom. Her father is Zeus and her mother is Metis. Zeus swallowed Metis to try to prevent Athene's birth, but Athene sprung from his head when someone hit him with an axe. Athene is the virgin goddess of intellect and invention. She is one of the three that could resist Apphrodite. Athene gave Diomedes the ability to see immortals on the battlefield so that he could attack Aphrodite. Aphrodite is the first immortal to be wounded in battle. Athens is named in honor of Athene, because her gift to them was the olive tree. What is justice and how does it make its appearance in the funeral games? Patroklos' funeral was a king's Funeral.
Preliminaries - Human sacrifices of 12 children List of Games
Chariot Race- The biggest and most skillful event. Apollo takes whip from Diomedes. Nestor gives Antilochos advice. Nestor's advice - Antilochos needs to use his head. Out of shame and fear Antilochos cuts someone off recklessly. Quarrel between smaller Ajax and the king of the Kretans over whether or not Eumolos was still in the race after divine intervention caused Eumolos to be out of the race. The incident on the track. The race finishes: 1. Diomedes; 2. Antilochos; 3. meneleus; 4. Eumolos. The awards ceremony, Eumolos receives special prize. Antilochos and Meneleus argue over who should get the second prize. Achilleus gives Nestor the fourth place prize as a sort of Lifetime Achievement award.
Boxing- Hand to hand combat.
Wrestling- Hand to hand combat. Odysseus vs. Ajax. Odysseus wins. Achilleus stops the fight, doesn't want to> put one friend above the other.
Running- most significant race (in honor of Zeus). Most beautiful and artistic gift is given. Small Ajax falls and everyone laughs. First true laughter after Patroklos's death. Athene helps Odysseus win.
Gladitorial contest- most unusual event
Discus- long range fighting
Archery- long range fighting
Javelin- long range fighting. Doesn't even begin and there is already a winner. Agamemnon wins just for entering the contest because he has the most status.
Achilleus's distribution vs. Agamemnon's distribution Bondari & Knickerbocker - Heralds -The Curse of the house of Atrius- It began with a feast and a banquet, in which the gods all had respect for the host, Tantaleous, the grandfather of Agamemnon, so they all attended. Tantaleous was trying to deceive the gods by killing his sons and feeding them to the gods. The gods were too smart to deceive, and they got grossed out and left. Tantaleous was punished when he died. Pelops loved by Poseidon, who cheated and conspired with the chariot race by messing with the wheel of the kings charioteer. Pelops was able to avoid the curse, Atreus took on the curse. He married and had two sons, one of Agamemnon. Atreus then had a banquet for Theitis, where he was fed his two sons. There was said to be a baby that survived, named Thestis, who had three children. Clytaemestra had an affair with Agamemnon's first cousin, Augustus, and she was murdered for this. Orestes was one who committed murder, and sought refuge in house of Athena. The Greeks think that if you kill your parents that you go crazy. -Question of Justice XXIII -What is justice, and how does it appear in the Iliad? -Justice can be seen in Book I, but is further elaborated at the funeral games in Book XXIII. Achilleus was not getting his rewarded dues because Agamemnon was a greedy bastard. He did not live by the rules that he enforced, so no one else did either. Achileus gives everyone a prize at the games and equal shares for the winners or losers. This is distributed justice. However, equality is not synonymous with justice. The Theological question is where does Zeus sit on justice? Look at the death of Sarpedon, and this shows that Zeus wants order in the cosmos and does not want to upset the other gods. To analyze this, break up the complex into smaller easier to read pieces. -events at the funeral games
-(6)(7)(8) are fighting at a distance -(2)(3)(4) is more hand to hand combat -(5) is a simulation of what took place on the battlefield
-(1) is the conveyance of traveling to the battlefield, very exciting, comes first preliminary events- the funeral: a sacrifice of animal and human, humans were almost never sacrificed there was also a feast, and then the games. Funeral games were being held for Patroklos, and not for the gods like they are most often.-p.467-Nestor says there was no man like him, and speaks of his victories at the games he participated in. He shows what events they had in the old games, no gladiatorial combat, no discuss, and co archery. old games consisted of boxing, chariot race, spear throwing, wrestling, and foot race. Nestor triumphed in all events, except that he was beaten in the chariot by the two headed twins. The prizes come from Achilleus' tent. Very expensive and valuable stuff is given to the death of Patroklos, even more than a king would receive. Achilleus is riding himself of all the treasures because he is thinking of suicide possibly, or just feels that he is going to die. Two friends, Achilleus and Patroklos are to be put together after Achilleus? death in a dual burial thing. -Book 1- Agamemnon was so angered because he thought Achilleus was trying to take over, and felt threatened. Agamemnon agrees to take gift without even competing in the spear throw, maybe his way of apologizing. Achilleus is in charge of the games, but when Agamemnon was in charge justice was not being served, and he did not know what justice was. Things are different and justice is being served: Does Achilleus offer a higher form of justice than Agamemnon? Achilleus feels that justice does not exist in book 9, and says that everyone is their own individual and do what they want. Community is needed in order for there to be justice. Is there a form of justice that is satisfactory for both the community and himself? Revenge is not related to justice because it causes too much hurt, but somehow revenge seems to partake of justice. -Chariot Race- -pre-game warm-up or show which Nestor rehearses what is needed to do -then the start of the race -interference of the gods -quarrel in the stands -cheating incident -finally the race is over, award ceremony winners-
-pre-game show- Nestor says that it is crucial to stay on the inside of the turn around the post, gives no-how information on how to succeed, but does not give him advice on how to behave. Nestor is living through his son since he himself cannot win a chariot race. Sons of Aktor were Siamese twins and cheated to beat Nestor. His son feels (p.461) that his horses are slower than Diomedes but urges them on to win or else they will be slaughtered. If he loses he will be punished and shamed-fear. Nestor thinks that Antiloches is a great horseman because he was trained by the gods. Practice is required to be great. -End of the race- After Antiloches is accused of cheating, Menelaos demand justice for his actions. Tries to get him to take an oath, and forces him to admit fault because he is younger than him. He was greedy for honor, so he will give the mare away and anything else he possesses. Menelaos does not accept the gift because his anger is put out and gives the mare back to Antiloches. This shows to all the people that Menelaos is a good guy to follow. -Eumelos- his chariot falls apart. Watchers from the stand; Aias says that Eumelos is out of the race, so the bet is doubled that he is still going to win by another person. The gods have intervened in the contest and upset the balance of the race. Achilleus tells the two quarrelling men to sit down and shut up. He is still awarded second prize, just because he should have won and didn?t. He wants to remove fortune from the games. Achilleus is showing that Eumelos is the best chariot racer, and deserves the second place prize. Achilleus makes the rules so that he can enforce his understanding of justice. If everything were run properly, than Eumelos would have won. This shows that Achilleus is better than Agamemnon. -Spear throwing- Agamemnon gets the prize without even competing, but this might not have been deserved. -Gladiatorial Combat- the principle trophy is Sarpedon's armor and distributes the armor to both men that are fighting. -Wrestling- Odysseus and Aias get relieved from wrestling so that no winner can make a mockery of the loser, these are friends -Does Achilleus? vision of justice satisfy him?- Is it satisfying to be in control of everything? Is he happy, or is he still hurt? -He is still mad at the whole world.
Class Notes, Sept. 25 Book XXIV Farrell & Deragon When people died in ancient Greece, they had certain rights that accompanied their funeral. The first part would be the laying out of the body for 2 days. Around the body would be the person's wealth, honor, and pride be displayed. The family would come together and bond over the loss of the loved one. They would wear dark clothing. The women of the deceased's household would wash and anoint the body with eyes closed as to not lose their psyche.
The second part of the funeral was when they removed the body and prepared it for burial with basins, mirrors, and other possessions of the deceased so that would have his/her possessions in the afterlife. At this point there were often animal sacrifices. The Greeks believed that the psyche, the soul of the person, had to take steps to be able to enter into the underworld. First the psyche would have to leave the dead person through the mouth, eyes, or battle wounds. Then it would have to pass by the three headed dog, pay a toll to the ferryman to bring him/her over to the underworld, and then finally drink from the river Styx, the river of forgetfulness.
Class notes Apollo imparts wisdom of the human condition in the last book of the Iliad. He is upset with Hera, Poseidon, and Athena because they are still favoring Achilles even after he defiles the dead body of Hector and breaks the Gods' rule of proper burial. This is one of the reasons that Apollo dislikes Achilles, and the other reason is because he is on the Trojan side, and Achilles has just killed the best Trojan warrior. In the height of all his glory, Achilles is being completely disrespectful in the manner in which he treats Hector's dead body. If he was following proper burial guidelines, he would have returned the body to Priam instead of dragging the body behind his chariot and allowing the dogs go at it.
Apollo's wisdom is that everyone loses someone special. Everyone will love someone but they won't be able to control that person or what happens to him/her. It's the human condition to suffer and move on. Achilles eventually wises up. We begin to see the beginning of it at the funeral games, but it is very subtle. He is being generous and giving away all his possessions and honoring Patroklus, but he does it in the manner that he got angry at Agamemnon for. Achilles doesn't give out the prizes according to which won the race but who he felt deserved it, which is basically the same thing Agamemnon did.
Achilles has also changed because he goes in the war for different reasons then before. At the beginning of the war, his sole purpose for fighting was to obtain glory and honor. Now, after Patroklus' death, he is fighting for vengeance. He is now removed from the community. His values and ideals are different. We see the biggest change in Achilles when he is eating dinner with Priam after the ransom exchange for Hector's body. Both men are gazing at each other and in each other each man sees a son who is now dead and a father that a son will never see again. This moment brings everything into light. The big picture is finally realized by Achilles. This is the moment he changes. Higgins & Harvey Ancient Greek architecture is most known for its use in building temples. The three styles of architecture are Tuscan, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Tuscan style is very plain and looks like tree logs, while the Ionic style is taller, thinner, fluted scroll-like ornaments. The last and most elaborate of the three was the Corinthian style and was used by both the Greeks and the Romans. The Corinthian style has leaves as the ornaments and was the last to develop. The center cellar of the temple was built first and the pillars and columns were built around it. The belief of the Greek gods and goddesses, also known as Olympians, were first started by the belief of the Titans. Chaos was the first known Titan and was self created and created his offspring, including Gaea. Gaea self produced Uranus, her son, mated with him, and gave birth to Coronus. Coronus did as Gaea told him to do and castrated Uranus to become the new ruler. Coronus married Rhea and had children, who became the first Olympians; however, Coronus would eat his offspring in order to guarantee his rule. Rhea tricked Coronus by giving him a rock to eat instead of Zeus, who banished the Titans to the Underworld. Zeus and his brothers, Poseidon and Hades, drew lots to decide who would be the head ruler of the gods after Coronus was defeated. Zeus won and became the supreme ruler of the gods, rain god, and lord of the sky. Poseidon became the lord of the sea, while Hades became the lord of the Underworld. Zeus married Hera, his sister, and had children; however, he had many affairs and many children by other women. Some of Zeus? offspring includes Ares, Athena, Aphrodite, Apollo, Hermes, Hephaestus, the Muses, and the Graces. The only beings that predated both the gods and the Titans were the Fates.
C. S. Lewis says that Homer's world view is bleak with no promise of salvation and that no achievement is permanent. Homer believes that the world's pattern is to rise in status for a few moments of glory, but to ultimately revert back to nothing.
Page 476 of The Iliad Apollo gives the following speech, "You are hard, you gods, and destructive. Now did not Hektor burn thigh pieces of oxen and unblemished goats in your honor? Now you cannot bring yourselves to save him, though he is only a corpse, for his wife to look upon, his child and his mother and Priam his father, and his people, who presently thereafter would burn his body in the fire and give him his rites of burial. No, you gods; your desire is to help this cursed Achilleus within whose breast there are no feelings of justice, nor can his mind be bent, but his purposes are fierce, like a lion who when he has given way to his own great strength and his haughty spirit, goes among the flocks of men, to devour them. So Achilleus has destroyed pity, and there is not in him any shame; which does much harm to men but profits them also. For a man must some day lose one who was even closer than this; a brother from the same womb, or a son. And yet he weeps for him, sorrows for him, and then it is over, for the Destinies put in mortal men the heart of endurance. But this man, now he has torn the heart of life from great Hektor, ties him to his horses and drags him around his beloved companion's tomb; and nothing is gained thereby for his good, or his honor. Great as he is, let him take care not to make us angry; for see, he does dishonor to the dumb earth in his fury.?
That shows that Apollo is interested in what happens to Hektor's body; Apollo doesn't want Achilleus to defile Hektor's corpse because he always honored the gods.
A man cries for someone, or something, that has been taken away even though they know that everyone must die at one point or another. The only thing men can do is ask fro blood money in retribution. It is the lot of men to endure; you will constantly lose something close to your heart. All reactions have a consequence and everything has a price. Do humans have the ability to bestow value? Thumos (the spirit or heart of a person) will always pine for what it has lost; Eros will always long for what we don't have. No matter how hard we try, we will never have control over that which we love. Spousal abuse is an example of how people try to control their loved ones. Society has absolute control over us unless we are aware that we are being controlled . Are people ever ready to die? Yes. When are old people ready to die? When they feel as though there is nothing left to live for and when what they love the most has left them. The best time to die is when you have achieved the greatest thing you desire the most. That way, you will die with your honor in tact and cannot lose what you achieved. Did Achilleus find satisfaction with the funeral games? No, Achilleus never finds satisfaction. Even after killing Hektor, Achilleus drags his body around and tries to defile the body, which proves that he was not completely satisfied.
Achilleus knows that he should grieve and move on; but, for some reason, he cannot get over the death of Patroklos. Achilleus knows that he will die shortly.
Priam reminds Achilleus of his father and wants to please the gods, so he returns the body of Hektor. Just as Priam has lost his son, so to will Achilleus' father lose him. Zeus has two urns by his door, one of lightening and one of sorrow. He will distribute fortune as either half good and half bad, or all bad. Zeus will never bless a person with only good luck. Page 491 tells the story of Niobe and her twelve children. As a result of Niome's hubris, Apollo killed her six daughters and six sons. Achilleus has his men go anoint and prepare Hektor's body before it was given over to Priam. Notes from Previous Years' Classes |
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Homer's
Iliad
Achilles and Briseis