Iliad Assignment 2/28

1. Write a question. It can be an interpretive question that you have an opinion on or something about the text that you don't understand. You do not need to write the answer.

My only question about this part is who Phoenix is? I did not understand what his meaning in the text was and where he came from.

2. What was your opinion of Achilles before reading Book 9? Does it change after reading Book 9? Explain why or why not.

Before reading book 9 I had a point of view on Achilles where I would back him no matter what his decisons were, I think this may be because the author made him to fit into a more protagonist role. After reading this section my view on him really doesn't change, he is still the headstrong character that he was in the beginning. The only thing that I would say is different is that now he believes even more for his cause to boycott than he did earlier.

3. At various points in the text some characters attempt to persuade other characters to take a course of action. Make a list of the persuasive strategy used by these characters:

1. Diomedes tries to persuade Agamemnon to stay in the fight for the long run and not give up. I think that this was an appeal to reason because he makes it seem that this was their only feesable option to take.
2. Achilles tries to persuade Pheonix to not fight but to rather stay with him and return home with him. I think that this was an appeal to reason because he lists specific factual reasons to do so.
3. Pheonix tries to persuade Achilles to stay and fight for his motherland rather than to retreat back home. He is appealing to ethics and emotion, because he tries to influence Achilles to listen to him by listing reasons that have to do with honor and that relate to his fellow men.