Question

the iliad book 1\ excerpt: analyzing characters, structure, and theme cfu (r.1.4)
benchmark: ela.9.r.1.4 analyze the characters, structures, and themes of epic poetry.

1. what is the main cause of the conflict between achilles and agamemnon in this passage?

a. achilles refuses to continue fighting the trojans
b. agamemnon wants to take achilles prize, briseis
c. achilles believes the trojans have attacked his homeland
d. agamemnon wants achilles to lead the next battle

1. which theme of epic poetry is most clearly shown in achilles’ reaction to agamemnon?

a. the importance of hospitality
b. the danger of pride and anger
c. the value of peaceful negotiation
d. the power of friendship

1. what role does the goddess minerva (athena) play in the structure of this scene?

a. she encourages achilles to attack agamemnon
b. she warns agamemnon to apologize
c. she interrupts the conflict to prevent violence
d. she rewards achilles for his bravery

1. what does achilles’ threat to leave the war reveal about his character?

a. he is secretly loyal to the trojans
b. he values honor more than loyalty to the greek army
c. he is afraid of agamemnon’s power
d. he wants to become king of the greeks

1. how does agamemnon demonstrate the qualities of an epic leader—both good and bad—in this

passage?
a. he shows wisdom and patience in dealing with achilles
b. he shows bravery by challenging the trojans alone
c. he shows authority but also arrogance and greed
d. he shows kindness by offering achilles a gift

Explanation:

Question 1

To determine the main cause of the conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon in "The Iliad" Book 1, we recall the plot: Agamemnon, due to a loss of his own prize, decides to take Achilles' prize, Briseis. Option A is incorrect as Achilles' refusal to fight comes later. Option C is incorrect as the Trojans attacking his homeland isn't the cause here. Option D is incorrect as Agamemnon doesn't want Achilles to lead the next battle for this conflict. So the correct answer is B.

When analyzing Achilles' reaction to Agamemnon, we look at epic poetry themes. Achilles reacts with great anger and pride over the taking of his prize. Option A (hospitality) is not relevant here. Option C (peaceful negotiation) is incorrect as Achilles is angry, not negotiating. Option D (friendship) is not the focus of his reaction. The danger of pride and anger (Option B) matches his reaction.

In the scene, Minerva (Athena) intervenes to stop Achilles from attacking Agamemnon, preventing violence. Option A is incorrect as she stops the attack, not encourages it. Option B is incorrect as she doesn't warn Agamemnon to apologize. Option D is incorrect as she doesn't reward Achilles for bravery. So Option C is correct.

Answer:

B. Agamemnon wants to take Achilles’ prize, Briseis

Question 2