Exploring the Elements of Epic Poetry in Homer's Iliad

This lesson explores the features of epic poetry, focusing on The Iliad. Epic poems are long narratives that describe historical events, often fictionalized, and include great feats like long journeys, monster slayings, and wars. They originate from oral traditions and have been adapted over generations. Key elements include the invocation of a Muse, starting in medias res, and featuring heroes of great importance. The Iliad is analyzed for its plot, characters, and divine interventions, highlighting the role of gods like Athena and Zeus. The lesson concludes with the formal introduction of characters, known as a catalog.

What is a common feature of epic poems?

• Poems that focus only on factual historical events

• Long narrative poems that include fictionalized historical events

• Simple poems with minimal character development

• Short narratives about daily life

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CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

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CCSS.RL.8.5

Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of an epic poem?

• Involvement of supernatural elements

• Long journeys and great feats

• Detailed descriptions of everyday activities

• Historical events with fictional elements

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CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

In what form were epic poems originally shared?

• Performed as dances

• Through paintings

• Spoken aloud

• Written in books

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CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

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How were epic poems adapted over time?

• They were only written, never spoken

• They focused more on modern events than historical ones

• They were shortened or lengthened based on audience interest

• They remained unchanged to preserve historical accuracy

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CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

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What does 'in medias res' mean?

• At the end of times

• After the climax

• Before the beginning

• In the middle of things

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CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

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Which character is described as questioning the system in 'The Iliad'?

• Zeus

• Achilles

• Hector

• Agamemnon

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CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

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What role do gods play in epic poetry?

• They are only used as metaphors

• They are typically the main characters

• They are mentioned but do not influence the plot

• They play active roles and influence events

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

Who is described as 'god-like' in 'The Iliad'?

• Hera

• Apollo

• Achilles

• Agamemnon

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CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

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What task are students asked to perform with 'The Iliad'?

• Translate passages into another language

• Identify and write down character introductions

• Write a summary of the entire epic

• Memorize the first chapter

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

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What is the purpose of the 'catalog' in epic poetry?

• To list the author's previous works

• To formally introduce characters

• To provide a detailed description of the setting

• To summarize the plot

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

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