The scene described is full of Homeric similes. Two of the most effective follow each other in short order directly after Patroklus hurls his spear into Sarpedon’s midriff. How do these similes contribute to the power of the poem? How might they either contribute to or diminish our sense of the warriors’ areté?

What will be an ideal response?

The Greek soldier demonstrates one of the most important values in Greek culture, his areté, often translated as “virtue,” but actually meaning something closer to “being the best you can be” or “reaching your highest human potential.” Homer uses the term to describe both Greek and Trojan heroes, and it refers not only to their bravery but to their effectiveness in battle. In this reading from the Iliad, Homer describes the battle between Sarpedon, Zeus’ son, and Patroklos, the companion of Achilles, and his stand in in battle. Patroklos and Sarpedon exhibit exemplary courage and strength. Sarpedon spurs his companions on to courage and away from the vice of cowardice by urging them to defend his body from the Greeks. Zeus and Hera both exhibit the areté of wisdom. Hera shows it in urging Zeus to overcome his paternal piety because the repercussions would be disastrous. Zeus exhibits wisdom in listening to reason and argument but also in finding a way to intervene through the instrumentality of Apollo to protect Sarpedon’s body.