Eurolit Homework 9/17/18

Read: Iliad Books XVIII & XIX

Eurolit Notes 9/17/18

According to the ancient Greek worldview, we have a paradox. Most things are outside of our control; this is called fate. However, we also have free will because we have a choice in how we deal with what we are dealt. 

In Greek literature, many characters follow the Homeric pattern. They strive for excellence because they fear death. 

Homeric pattern: arete, hubris, ate, nemesis. 

Freedom vs Happiness

We don’t want freedom, because with the freedom comes responsibility. This is another paradox. As we continue on, we will discover the other reasons why humanity does not want freedom. 

Achilles does not want the responsibility of choosing to kill Hector. 

Homer’s stance is that all characters are motivated by fear of death and aspire to excellence (fame). Therefore, Achilles unconsciously sends Patroclus to his death so that he must make the decision he has avoided for nine years.

p. 298

In the passage that begins “Grant me another wish….” Achilles expresses that he consciously does not want Patroclus to die. 

Why does Achilles send Patroclus into battle?

Freedom v. happiness. Achilles knows Patroclus is going to die. Achilles also knows that when Patroclus dies he will be forced to kill Hector, which will result in Achilles’ death. He doesn’t want the freedom to make this decision. 

Essay notes:

Who is responsible for Hector’s death and how does it lead to the theme of The Iliad?

If you choose to write a five paragraph essay there is a problem. There are eight characters to include, but only three body paragraphs. Use “envelope thinking” and group characters together. Depending on your thesis, you might separate supernatural/immortal characters and mortal characters. 

Writing is thinking on a piece of paper. Choose your words carefully.

Avoid rehashing the plot.

In an essay, you get one opinion and everything relates back to it. Never lose focus of the thesis opinion. 

A sentence is a group of words with one controlling idea. A paragraph is a group of sentences with one controlling idea. 

A title should convince and persuade. 

Introduction will include the author, title, genre, thesis statement, and perhaps historical information and definitions. It will also have a “hook” and a “big picture seed”.

The conclusion paragraph includes what you know about the central theme. You can uses techniques like comparison or critique.

The body paragraphs will each have a topic sentence in which you state the controlling idea of the paragraph. It will use examples and quotations that support your topic sentences and ultimately, your thesis opinion. The last sentence is called a clincher sentence and clinches that paragraph’s main ideas. 

Argument form: 

Thesis statement > Thesis opinion > Topic sentences > examples > quotations

Each element supports the thesis statement and builds upon the elements that come before it.

Do not use this or that. Do not use first or second person. Do not use contractions.