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IH 51 Sec. 602

Homer: The Iliad, pages 27-47, Books 3 and 6 to line 262

Summary of the plot:

Book III

This book contains two alternating themes: a) the single combat between Paris and Menelaus, and b) the plight of those within Troy. We meet Paris, then Helen (on the walls, speaking with King Priam), then see the duel, and Aphrodite spiriting Paris away.
Book VI
120-245: Glaucus meets Diomedes. Note the long stories involved here, and the outcome of their meeting. Why did "Zeus take away Glaucus' good sense"? (line 243)
Suggestions and Study Questions: What are Paris' motives in Book III? Why does he end up back in bed with Helen?

And, what motivates Helen of Troy? Look at her speech, III.427ff. How do we explain the role of the goddess Aphrodite (here in disguise ) in "modern" terms?

In book VI, note the story of Bellerophon (lines 158ff.). Every "little" story in the Iliad has some relation to its overarching plot, and it is worth asking, how does Bellerophon's story affect our understanding of Achilles.

 Words and Names to Remember: Paris

Menelaus

Priam

Aphrodite

Diomedes

Bellerophon