The Iliad, Books XVIII-IXX

The Iliad, Books 18-19

Book XVIII: The Armor of Achilles

Achilles mourns Patroclus, Thetis asks for new armor for her son.

Multiple Choice

When Antilochus delivers the news of Patroclus's death, how does Achilles react?

• Achilles remains indifferent and does not react.
• Achilles celebrates Patroclus's victory in battle.
• Achilles reacts with deep grief and rage.
• Achilles blames the gods for Patroclus's death.

Multiple Choice

Who says, "Then he sailed away to Troy, where he is doomed to die"?

• Andromache

• Thetis

• Odysseus
• Agamemnon

• Achilles explains that he is angry and distraught over Patroclus's death.

• He says he only wishes for revenge; ​Thetis asks him to wait until she has brought him new armor.

Thetis asks Achilles to wait

• Thetis asks Hephaestus to make new armor for Achilles.

  • New shield (super detailed!)

  • New armor

• She brings it to Achilles, who immediately wants to go to war.

Thetis requests Hephaestus's aid

Book IXX: Achilles Fasts

Achilles refuses to eat as he mourns Patroclus and prepares for war.

• Thetis brings the new armor to Achilles.

• All of the Greeks are impressed by it; Achilles eagerly gathers the Greeks.

Achilles receives new armor

Multiple Choice

Why is Achilles scared to go to war and how does Thetis help allay this fear?

• Achilles fears war because he wants to avoid glory and fame.
• Achilles is afraid to go to war because he is worried he will die before he can avenge Patroclus; Thetis promises him she will help him kill Hector.

• Achilles is afraid of losing his friends in battle, and Thetis offers to protect them.
• Achilles is scared to go to battle because he doesn't want the flies to get to Patroclus; Thetis puts ambrosia on Patroclus to preserve him.

• Achilles tells Agamemnon he wants to forget their quarrel; Agamemnon offers the same gifts he did before.

• Odysseus counsels waiting and feasting before diving back into war.

Achilles is ready; others recommend patience

Multiple Choice

True or False: After she is returned to Achilles, Briseis mourns the death of Patroclus.

• True

• False

• While the rest of the Greeks eat and prepare for battle, Achilles sits by himself and mourns the death of BFF Pat.

• He chastises his horses for not bringing Patroclus back alive, and one replies that they could have done nothing more to save Patroclus, and that they cannot save him when it is his time.

Achilles mourns