This material has been used for many years by Professor Tom Sienkewicz in his courses at Howard University and
at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. If you have any questions, you may contact him at toms@monm.edu.
ANALYSIS OF ILIAD XVIII
This analysis is based upon A Study of the "Iliad" in Translation by Frank Lowry Clark. (Chicago: The University of
Chicago Press, 1927).
I. The Patrocleia Concluded. News of the death of Patroclus brought to Achilles, 1-34
a) Foreboding of Achilles, 1-14
b) Grief of Achilles, 15-34
II. The Anastasis or Arousing of Achilles. Interview between Thetis and Achilles, 35-147
a) Thetis hears the wailing, 35-38
b) Catalogue of the Nereids, 39-49
c) Speech of Thetis to the Nereids, 50-64
d) Thetis comes and tries to comfort Achilles, 65-77
e) Achilles' answer to Thetis, 78-93
f) Thetis warns Achilles of an early death if he slays Hector, 94-96
g) Struggle of emotions in the mind of Achilles; he chooses to avenge the death of Patroclus and, himself, meet an early death, 97-126
h) Thetis reminds Achilles that he has no armor, 127-47
III. Achilles, roused by Iris, goes forth unarmed to the trench and with a great shout truns back the Trojans , 148-238
IV. Night council of the Trojans on the plain, 239-314a
a) Polydamas advises the Trojans to retire within the city walls now that Achilles is aroused
b) Hector rejects the wise counsel of Polydamas
V. Achilles mourns for Patroclus, 314b-55
VI. Colloquy of Zeus with Hera, 356-67
VII. The Hoplopoiia or Making of Armor for Achilles
a.) Visit of Thetis to Hephaestus, to obtain new armor for Achilles, 368-477
b.) Description of the shield of Achilles, 478-end
1. General Description; the heavenly bodies, 478-89
2. The city at peace; marriage; trial; dance; council, 490-508
3. The city at war; the two armies; the gods; the ambush; the herds, 509-40
4. Ploughing and reaping; vintage; oxen;and lions; the sheep station, 541-89
5. Choral dance of youths and maidens, 590-606
6. The ocean stream surrounding all, 607-17 (end)