First, consider how the Trojan war started, and explain whether or not you think this was a legitimate reason to go to war with someone. What does this reveal about the way men think about and/or treat women?
Next, what is your impression of the heroes you’ve read about for this week? In answering this part of the prompt, you can compare and contrast the Greek heroes versus the Trojan heroes. For example, Achilles, Patroclus, Agamemnon, and Menelaus versus Hector and Paris. Do you think their behaviors are honourable or dishonourable? Explain, using examples and/or quotes from the text to support your answer.
Full Answer Section
The way that men think about and treat women is revealed in the story of the Trojan War. Paris's abduction of Helen is a clear example of how men can objectify women and see them as property. Helen is not a person to Paris; she is a prize to be won. This attitude is also reflected in the way that the Greek soldiers treat the Trojan women after they sack Troy. The women are enslaved and taken as concubines.
The heroes of the Trojan War are a mixed bag. Some of them, such as Achilles and Hector, are honorable and courageous. Others, such as Agamemnon and Paris, are more flawed and make questionable decisions.
Achilles is a skilled warrior who is known for his strength and his rage. He is also a loyal friend to Patroclus. However, Achilles can also be arrogant and hot-headed. He is willing to sacrifice the lives of others to achieve his own goals.
Hector is a brave and noble warrior who is devoted to his family and his city. He is also a skilled diplomat who tries to avoid war. However, Hector is ultimately defeated by Achilles, and Troy falls.
The Greek and Trojan heroes are both complex characters who make both good and bad decisions. It is up to the reader to decide whether or not they believe that these heroes are honorable.
Here are some specific examples from the text that support my answer:
- When Paris abducts Helen, he does not consider her feelings or her wishes. He simply takes her because he wants her. This shows that Paris views women as objects, rather than as people.
- After the Greeks sack Troy, the women are enslaved and taken as concubines. This shows that the Greeks view women as property, rather than as people.
- Achilles is willing to sacrifice the lives of his own men to achieve his own goals. This shows that Achilles is not always concerned with the well-being of others.
- Hector is a skilled diplomat who tries to avoid war. This shows that Hector is willing to put the needs of his people ahead of his own personal desires.
Ultimately, the heroes of the Trojan War are a mixed bag. Some of them are honorable and courageous, while others are more flawed and make questionable decisions. It is up to the reader to decide whether or not they believe that these heroes are honorable.
Sample Answer
The Trojan War is a famous war in Greek mythology that lasted for ten years. The war was started when Paris, a Trojan prince, abducted Helen, the wife of Menelaus, the king of Sparta. Menelaus's brother Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae, assembled a Greek army to go to Troy and retrieve Helen.
The Trojan War was a long and bloody conflict. Many heroes fought on both sides, and many lives were lost. In the end, the Greeks were victorious, and Troy was sacked.
There is no consensus on whether or not the Trojan War was a legitimate reason to go to war. Some people believe that Paris's abduction of Helen was a serious offense that warranted a military response. Others believe that the war was unnecessary and that it could have been resolved peacefully.