The Illiad

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 24 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: Why does Achilles become angry with Agamemnon, and how does his anger affect the Greek army?
2. Chapter 2: Agamemnon tests his soldiers by telling them they can sail home. What does this show about the soldiers and their leaders?
3. Chapter 3: Paris and Menelaus agree to fight one-on-one. Why might both armies want this duel to end the war?
4. Chapter 4: The truce is broken when an arrow is shot. How does this event change the mood of the story?
5. Chapter 5: Diomedes fights with great bravery in this chapter. What actions show that he is becoming a hero on the battlefield?
6. Chapter 6: Hector visits Troy and speaks with Andromache. What do you learn about Hector as both a warrior and a family member?
7. Chapter 7: Hector and Ajax fight in single combat. How do the warriors show respect for each other even though they are enemies?
8. Chapter 8: Zeus tells the gods not to help either side, but the battle still changes quickly. What does this chapter suggest about power and control?
9. Chapter 9: The Greeks send messengers to ask Achilles to return. Do you think Achilles should accept their gifts and help them? Why or why not?
10. Chapter 10: Odysseus and Diomedes go on a secret night mission. What qualities help them succeed, and what risks do they take?
11. Chapter 11: Many Greek leaders are wounded in this chapter. How does this make the Greek army’s situation more dangerous?
12. Chapter 12: The Trojans break through the Greek wall. What details make this moment feel exciting or frightening?
13. Chapter 13: Poseidon secretly helps the Greeks. How does his help change the battle, and why might he choose to get involved?
14. Chapter 14: Hera tricks Zeus so the Greeks can gain an advantage. What do you think about her plan, and was it fair?
15. Chapter 15: Zeus wakes up and sends the Trojans forward again. How does this chapter show that fortune in war can change suddenly?
16. Chapter 16: Patroclus wears Achilles’ armor and joins the battle. Why does he make this choice, and what are the results?
17. Chapter 17: The Greeks and Trojans fight over Patroclus’ body. Why is it important to the warriors to protect or capture him?
18. Chapter 18: Achilles learns that Patroclus has died. How does this news change Achilles’ feelings and choices?
19. Chapter 19: Achilles and Agamemnon make peace. What does this teach about pride, apology, and responsibility?
20. Chapter 20: The gods join the fighting openly. How does their involvement make the war feel larger than just a human conflict?
21. Chapter 21: Achilles fights near the river, and even the river seems to battle him. What does this scene show about Achilles’ anger?
22. Chapter 22: Hector decides to face Achilles outside Troy. What makes Hector’s choice brave, and what makes it sad?
23. Chapter 23: Achilles holds funeral games for Patroclus. How do the games help the characters remember Patroclus and honor friendship?
24. Chapter 24: Priam goes to Achilles to ask for Hector’s body. How do Priam and Achilles show kindness and understanding in this final chapter?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Chapter 6: Hector visits Troy and speaks with Andromache. What do you learn about Hector as both a warrior and a family member?

I learn that Hector is brave, but he is not only a fighter. He cares deeply about his wife, Andromache, and his little son. I think this makes him seem more real because he wants to protect Troy, but he also knows his family may suffer. His love for them makes his courage feel even stronger.

Chapter 16: Patroclus wears Achilles’ armor and joins the battle. Why does he make this choice, and what are the results?

I think Patroclus wears Achilles’ armor because he wants to help the Greeks when they are in danger. He hopes the Trojans will be scared because they may think Achilles has returned. At first, his plan helps, but then he goes too far into battle. The result is very sad because Patroclus is killed.

Chapter 24: Priam goes to Achilles to ask for Hector’s body. How do Priam and Achilles show kindness and understanding in this final chapter?

Priam shows courage and love by going to Achilles, even though Achilles is his enemy. Achilles shows kindness when he listens to Priam and gives Hector’s body back. I think both men understand each other’s sadness because they have both lost people they love. This ending shows that enemies can still feel compassion.