Eurolit Homework 9/7/18

Read Iliad Book I and up to page 53 in Book II

Eurolit Notes 9/7

Crete rules Europa (Europe) until Athens becomes powerful enough to defeat it. 

Athens has a port (Piraeus) that is sheltered from storms which is extremely beneficial, as the Mediterranean is subject to storms. Thus, Athens has a flourishing trade. It becomes more powerful than Knossos (Crete) and eventually vies against Persia in the 4th century B.C.E. 

“The Judgement of Paris” is the mythological basis of the Trojan War.

The Three Fates are the children of “black-winged night”, or Chaos. They are symbolic of humankind’s attempt to understand that there are things that are outside of our control. Only the Fates control fate. 

Homeric Pattern: characters follow a specific pattern of behavior 

Homer thinks that the number one motivator for humans is fear of death.

What we do to overcome death is to achieve fame.

Therefore, we strive for excellence. 

Arete - strive for excellence

Atë - to exceed the bounds meant for you by the universe (hubris - excessive pride)

Nemesis - the character goes too far and faces nemesis (to give what is due)

Paradox - a seeming contradiction that is nonetheless true

For example, what happens to us is predetermined, however, we have the freedom to choose how we deal with or respond to our fate.

Another paradox is that we have this freedom, but we don’t want the responsibility that comes with it (the responsibility for our own happiness, i.e. freedom vs. happiness).

There is a glossary of characters at the back of your books.