The Iliad vs. Troy: Essay [50 points] – Due Tuesday, December 1

Compose a 2-3 page essay on the following topic.

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  Why were certain items chosen over others to be omitted? Is something emphasized more in one or the other? Why? Is something completely different in the movie? Why?
  
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  What does that say about the strengths or weaknesses in the text or the movie?
  
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  What does that say about the time period in which the book was written as opposed to the time period the movie was made?
  
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  What does that say about the two different mediums and their respective audiences?
  
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  Make sure to address the “so what” of each item of similarity or difference.
  

When composing your essay, be sure to include plenty of textual (and film) evidence to support your analysis. This should NOT be just a plot summary or rehashing of the text.

If you don’t want to write about the film, Troy, here are some alternate essay prompts for you. Please select ONE of the prompts below and compose a 2-3 page essay on the topic. When composing your essay, be sure to include plenty of textual evidence to support your analysis, do NOT just summarize the events that happened.

1. 
   War: Does The Iliad glorify war or is the Iliad an anti-war piece? Consider the rules of sportsmanship and whether or not they are observed? Do these ideas compare with 20^th century warfare? Why does Homer allude to the families of the fallen heroes?
   
2. 
   Death and immortality: Do the Homeric heroes look upon death as something to be desired? What sort of immortality, if any, do they anticipate? How do these beliefs affect their attitude toward life? Cite several examples to defend you case.
   
3. 
   Character of Hector: Next to Achilles, Hector is the leading character of The Iliad. Discuss his personality and his code of living, and show how Homer attempts to make him a sympathetic character.
   
4. 
   Compare and contrast Achilles and Hector. They are presented as binary opposites in several ways: note several of these contrasts, and how they underscore Hector’s place in his community and Achilles’ essential isolation.