Classical Reference Library
Resources related to The Iliad.
TEACHING THE CLASSICS
A classroom-oriented guide to the major characters in Homer’s Iliad, with explanations of their roles in the poem, relationships and traits to watch, and questions that help students understand Homer’s treatment of heroism, honor, leadership, war, and mortality.
Read resource →FOR STUDENTS
A student-friendly guide to recognizing and analyzing Homer’s epic similes, with a printable organizer that helps students move from identifying a comparison to explaining what it contributes to the poem.
Read resource →FOR STUDENTS
A clear introduction to the Greek mythological background students need before reading Homer, including the Trojan War, the major gods, the House of Atreus, the judgment of Paris, and the events that connect The Iliad and The Odyssey.
Read resource →TEACHING THE CLASSICS
A guide to the major themes of Homer’s Iliad, including anger, honor, heroism, leadership, friendship, mortality, fate, grief, family, and the human cost of war, with questions to help students connect these ideas across the poem.
Read resource →FOR STUDENTS
A practical introduction for students reading Homer for the first time, with guidance on unfamiliar names, gods, heroic values, repeated language, long speeches, battle scenes, and the best ways to approach The Iliad and The Odyssey without feeling overwhelmed.
Read resource →FOR STUDENTS
A student-friendly guide to the heroic values that shape the Iliad, explaining honor, glory, and shame through Achilles, Agamemnon, Hector, and Patroclus, with a printable character-analysis worksheet.
Read resource →THE ILIAD • QUIZ
A 10-question reading quiz on Books 21–24 of Homer’s Iliad, covering Achilles and Hector, the treatment of Hector’s body, Patroclus’ funeral games, Priam’s appeal to Achilles, and Hector’s funeral.
Read resource →FOR TEACHERS
Eight printable worksheets for reading, discussion, close reading, and written response as students work through Homer’s Iliad.
Read resource →FOR TEACHERS
Short-response questions, analytical writing prompts, and full essay assignments for studying Homer’s Iliad.
Read resource →FOR STUDENTS
An illustrated-literature study guide exploring the extraordinary shield Hephaestus makes for Achilles in Book 18 of Homer's Iliad. Examines its scenes of peace, war, work, and celebration, with a printable analysis organizer.
Read resource →A READER’S GUIDE
A Guide to the Major Characters in Homer’s Iliad
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