Love and the Trojan War

In Book Three of Homer's Iliad, the Grecian and Trojan armies agree to settle their conflict through a duel between Menelaus and Paris. Menelaus nearly defeats Paris, but Venus intervenes, saving Paris and prolonging the war. Helen expresses regret for her role in the war, but Priam reassures her. The narrative explores the influence of love, represented by Venus, as both a destructive and potentially redemptive force.

What agreement do the Grecian and Trojan armies make before engaging in battle?

• To negotiate peace terms

• To fight until one side is completely defeated

• To determine the war by a single combat between Menelaus and Paris

• To exchange prisoners of war

Who is Menelaus, and what role does he play in the duel?

• A Trojan king who watches the duel

• A Greek god who intervenes in the duel

• A Spartan king who fights Paris

• A Trojan prince who challenges Paris

How does the goddess Venus intervene in the duel between Menelaus and Paris?

• She causes a storm to stop the duel

• She gives Menelaus a magical weapon

• She convinces Menelaus to spare Paris

• She whisks Paris away in a cloud

What do the Grecian kings demand after the duel between Menelaus and Paris?

• That Helen be returned to Menelaus

• That the Trojans surrender their weapons

• That the war continues without interruption

• That Paris be executed

What does Helen express to the Trojan King Priam?

• Her wish to continue living in Troy

• Her regret for leaving her family and friends

• Her anger towards Menelaus

• Her desire to return to Sparta

According to Greek mythology, what role does Venus play in the events leading to the Trojan War?

• She helps the Greeks build a giant horse

• She convinces the Trojans to attack Greece

• She persuades Paris to steal Helen

• She gives Menelaus a powerful army

How is Venus's intervention in the duel interpreted in terms of love?

• As a warning to Menelaus

• As a sign of divine punishment

• As love persuading Paris to flee

• As a demonstration of Paris's bravery

What is the consequence of love persuading Paris to steal Helen?

• Helen returns to Sparta

• The Trojan War never happens

• The Trojan War is prolonged

• Paris becomes a hero

What does Homer suggest about the nature of love in Book Three?

• Love is purely destructive

• Love has both violent and redemptive aspects

• Love is only beneficial

• Love is irrelevant to the war

What future aspect of love does Homer hint at discussing in later books?

• Love's influence on the gods

• Love's role in warfare

• Love's redemptive qualities

• Love's destructive power