OCR H408/11 · A Level Classical Civilisation

Homer's Iliad

Delve deep into Homer's masterpiece of war, honour, and mortality — from Achilles' rage to Priam's supplication. Seven narrative topics, a thematic study, and full OCR A Level coverage.

At a Glance
8
Topics
36
Lessons
10
Prescribed Books
100%
OCR Coverage
Course Topics
Topic 1
Introduction to the Iliad
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1The whole narrative — story summary Lesson 2Oral tradition and composition Lesson 3The Homeric Question Lesson 4Epic structure and in medias res Lesson 5Key literary techniques
Topic 2
Books 1 & 3 — The Wrath Begins
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1Book 1 in detail Lesson 2Book 3 in detail Lesson 3Key themes: kleos, timē, menis, divine intervention Lesson 4Characters: Achilles, Agamemnon, Helen Lesson 5Literary techniques in Books 1 & 3
Topic 3
Books 4 & 6 — War and Home
6 lessons ▾
Lesson 1Book 4 in detail Lesson 2Book 6 in detail Lesson 3War's brutality vs domestic life Lesson 4Characters: Hector, Andromache, Diomedes Lesson 5Women's roles and position in society Lesson 6Literary techniques in Books 4 & 6
Topic 4
Books 9 & 10 — Night Operations
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1Book 9: Embassy to Achilles Lesson 2Book 10: The Doloneia Lesson 3Heroic values questioned Lesson 4Achilles' refusal and the hero concept Lesson 5Literary techniques in Books 9 & 10
Topic 5
Books 16 & 17 — Patroclus
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1Book 16: Patroclus' aristeia Lesson 2Book 17: Fight for the body Lesson 3Death and mortality Lesson 4Patroclus and Achilles Lesson 5Literary techniques in Books 16 & 17
Topic 6
Books 18 & 19 — Achilles' Return
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1Book 18: Shield of Achilles Lesson 2Book 19: Arming for battle Lesson 3Grief and revenge Lesson 4Achilles transformed Lesson 5The Shield: microcosm of society
Topic 7
Books 22–24 — Resolution
5 lessons ▾
Lesson 1Book 22: Hector's death Lesson 2Book 23: Funeral games Lesson 3Book 24: Priam's supplication Lesson 4Reconciliation and humanity Lesson 5Hector, Priam, Achilles
Topic 8
Thematic Study
Coming soon ▾
8A.1Xenia and hospitality
8A.2Family relationships
8B.1Women's roles and agency
8C.1Role of the immortals
8D.1The hero concept revisited
8E.1Portrayal of war
All things Classics, in one place — by Lawrence McNally