1 GENDER ROLES AS DEFINED BY HOMER’S THE ILIAD 2 Comment by Kristin: Khalid Alanazi HIST 100 Text Analysis I Gender Roles as defined by Homer’s The Iliad Gender Roles as defined by Homer’s The Iliad A Woman’s Place in The Iliad The Iliad is a classic example of a patriarchal society where women lack agency. The story depicts how women and men were expected to conduct themselves in ancient Greece. The story showcases the last years of the alleged Trojan War, shedding light on gender roles in this society. In the poem, men were depicted to be higher up in the social ladder and in charge as compared to women. Women were viewed to be manipulative, purposed to ruining a man’s purpose, or as objects. Through the conflicts between men and the stories of the supporting female characters, this paper purposes to give a glimpse of the gender roles that men and women were expected to fill in the Greek society. Comment by Kristin: Italicize titles of works Comment by Kristin: Be specific. What are their roles? The Iliad upholds men’s patriarchal structure as leaders in their families who fight for their country and strive to protect their families. Women, however, are not as involved as men but equally play a role in protecting their families. In the story, Hector’s wife begged him to stay home but he insisted that he wanted to gain honor fighting for his family and country. He also talks to his son, asking that when he grew older, he may be stronger. “Do not mourn too much for me, my beloved Andromache, no man shall send me to the house of Hades, before my allotted hour, and nobody lives who can live longer than that date which heaven assigned him, be he base or brave. Go then, and occupy yourself with the housework, the woman's sphere; practice the distaff, spin and weave, and order your servants their work” (Homer, 478-497). From this brief description, it is clear that Hector made sacrifices for his fellow Trojans as well. The story also depicts how mortal women had no agency. In the story, women have no power over the decisions made involving their being, and were perceived rather as possessions and awards of men. Chryseis, Briseis, and Helen are some of the women who greatly impacted the Trojan War through the roles they played but were only seen as awards who boosted the pride and ego of their male counterparts. Women in this context have been objectified as persons who lack the strength and power to impact or influence their lives or the lives of others in a manner that does not embrace sex or contribute to the ego and pride of the men. Comment by Kristin: Focus on one thing at a time. This paragraph is about men fighting for their country Comment by Kristin: Expand. What is the significance of this? Comment by Kristin: Again, keep organized. Each paragraph should deal with one thing. Men-Women-Children (for example) Helen is believed to be the woman who initiated the Trojan War yet she had no power or control over the choices .

1. 1
GENDER ROLES AS DEFINED BY HOMER’S THE ILIAD 2
Comment by Kristin:
Khalid Alanazi
HIST 100
Text Analysis I
Gender Roles as defined by Homer’s The Iliad
Gender Roles as defined by Homer’s The Iliad
A Woman’s Place in The Iliad
The Iliad is a classic example of a patriarchal society
where women lack agency. The story depicts how women and
men were expected to conduct themselves in ancient Greece.
The story showcases the last years of the alleged Trojan War,
shedding light on gender roles in this society. In the poem, men
were depicted to be higher up in the social ladder and in charge
as compared to women. Women were viewed to be
manipulative, purposed to ruining a man’s purpose, or as
objects. Through the conflicts between men and the stories of
the supporting female characters, this paper purposes to give a
glimpse of the gender roles that men and women were expected
to fill in the Greek society. Comment by Kristin: Italicize
titles of works Comment by Kristin: Be specific. What are their
roles?
The Iliad upholds men’s patriarchal structure as leaders in
their families who fight for their country and strive to protect
their families. Women, however, are not as involved as men but

2. equally play a role in protecting their families. In the story,
Hector’s wife begged him to stay home but he insisted that he
wanted to gain honor fighting for his family and country. He
also talks to his son, asking that when he grew older, he may be
stronger. “Do not mourn too much for me, my beloved
Andromache, no man shall send me to the house of Hades,
before my allotted hour, and nobody lives who can live longer
than that date which heaven assigned him, be he base or brave.
Go then, and occupy yourself with the housework, the woman's
sphere; practice the distaff, spin and weave, and order your
servants their work” (Homer, 478-497). From this brief
description, it is clear that Hector made sacrifices for his fellow
Trojans as well. The story also depicts how mortal women had
no agency. In the story, women have no power over the
decisions made involving their being, and were perceived rather
as possessions and awards of men. Chryseis, Briseis, and Helen
are some of the women who greatly impacted the Trojan War
through the roles they played but were only seen as awards who
boosted the pride and ego of their male counterparts. Women in
this context have been objectified as persons who lack the
strength and power to impact or influence their lives or the lives
of others in a manner that does not embrace sex or contribute to
the ego and pride of the men. Comment by Kristin: Focus on
one thing at a time. This paragraph is about men fighting for
their country
Comment by Kristin: Expand. What is the significance of
this? Comment by Kristin: Again, keep organized. Each
paragraph should deal with one thing. Men-Women-Children
(for example)
Helen is believed to be the woman who initiated the Trojan
War yet she had no power or control over the choices made that
affected her life, or the lives of those soldiers who were
believed to have died for her. The Judgement of Paris, which
was believed to have occurred before the events of the war
unfolded, impacted Helen’s ability to have power and control

3. over her life. Helen was perceived to be the most attractive
woman given to Paris as a gift for insinuating that Aphrodite
was the “fairest” of all women. The notion that Helen could be
objectified as a prize was offensive, adding on to the fact that
she could not air out her opinion on whether she was willing to
flee Sparta with Paris. Instead, she was given as an object to
Paris, an award. She was appreciated and valued, not because of
her humanity, but because of her beauty. Comment by
Kristin: This is descriptive. Start with a claim and use evidence
to support that claim. Interpret the evidence to demonstrate how
your evidence supports it. Something like “The role of women
in the Iliad was _______”.
She was viewed as an object instead of a human being,
totally stripping her of mortality. Paris took Helen to Troy and
claimed her as a “prized possession” a factor that angered King
Menelaus, her husband, inciting one of history’s assumed
prolific wars. Evidently, Helen missed her old life in Sparta:
“The goddess filled her heart with the yearning warm and deep
for her husband long ago, her city and her parents. Quickly
cloaking herself in shimmering linen, out of her rooms she
rushed, live tears welling, and not alone” (Homer, 168-172).
Even in her subsequent tears for her old life and ex-husband, a
sign showing discontent with the new chosen for her in Troy,
having been forcibly removed from her friends and family.
Despite her discomfort, leeriness, and confusion, she does not
have the ability to make the pivotal decision to decide the path
of her life. Her situation forced her into discontent and
isolation, as she watched soldiers lose their lives for a lover’s
quarrel. Comment by Kristin: You are summarizing the story
rather than analyzing. What is your argument here?
Women within the context of the story were seen to be
aggravators of conflict between men. Helen causes the Trojan
War while Agamamemnon and Achilles conflicted over the
return of Bryseis and Achilles sought revenge that led to the
momentary extermination of the Acheans. The Trojan War could

4. be described as a war over women as possessions. The presumed
conflict that ensued between Agamemnon and Achilles was
believed to be as a result of a clash over the women they each
claimed to own. Bryseis and Chryseis were two damsels taken
as prized possessions after the defeat of a Trojan-allied town.
Achilles attempted to claim Bryseis while Agamemnon
attempted to claim Chryseis. However, Agamemnon failed in his
quest as he was required to return Chryseis to her father after
Apollo raided the Achaen camps. In his unenthusiastic mission,
he told Achilles in dispute: “Not so quickly, brave as you are
godlike Achilles- trying to cheat me. Oh no, you won’t get past
me, take me in that way! What do you want? To cling to your
own prize while I sit calmly by—empty-handed here? Is that
why you order me to give her back? No—if our generous
Argives will give me a prize, a match for my desires, equal to
what I’ve lost, well and good. But if they give me nothing I will
take a prize myself—your own” (Homer, 153-161). This
statement further dehumanized women and depicted the
apparent value of owning women who were visually appealing.
In this context, women were not viewed as equals to their male
counterparts but rather were objects commodified to be shared
freely between individuals and have no free will whatsoever.
Comment by Kristin: Spell check
Comment by Kristin: Conclusion?
Notable Character Traits from The Iliad
From the Iliad, there were some values that Greek
schoolchildren learned from the characters, based on the
different roles they played and their significant character traits.
For instance, from Hector, he depicted a man of honor whose
main duty was to his homeland. Even after his wife pleaded him
to stay, he emulated self-sacrifice and devotion to his nation.
He also emulated good traits of fatherhood through the advice
he gave to his son before going into war. He emulated the role
men played in marriage and fatherhood, offering protection and
making important decisions that affect them. His wife,

5. Andromache portrayed the nurturing nature of love and
devotion, showed through her concern over her husband’s
decision to take part in the Trojan War. “Yet Hector—oh my
husband! I in you I find parents, brothers, and all that I have
lost. Come! Have compassion on us. Do not go to battle, but
guard this tower, unless you make a widow of me and an orphan
of your young boy” (Homer, 427-451). The devotion equally
showed the roles women played in marriage, being submissive
and listening to her husband. She also emulated good
motherhood traits through how she cared for their son and took
care of their home.
King Priam was an exemplary leader, showing the importance of
humility, family sacrifice, honor, and respect for authority. He
watched as his sons were killed through the Trojan War and did
not blame Helen for their deaths. He also had honor in his
leadership, despite all he lost. From Achilles, his character
emulated the flaws that led to the downfall of a great hero,
filled with vengeance and pride, especially through his conflict
with Agamemnon. His character flaw led him to lack nobility
and integrity, especially since he could not control his pride.
However, his ability to sacrifice himself was a noble trait, one
that made him a hero despite all his flaws.
References
Homer, D. M., & Monro, D. B. (2008). The Iliad. Wildside
Press LLC. Retrieved from
http://gpnp.net/Library.gpnp.net/historical/political%20historica
l%20docs/egypt%20and%20greece/The%20Iliad%20-
%20Homer.pdf
Charlemagne’s Vision of His Empire and Its Basic Principles

6. Charlemagne (742-814) was one of the European leaders whose
legacy had a profound impact on the history of this continent.
He created a unified empire that covered about half of Europe
and facilitated the spread of Christianity in many new
territories. The General Capitulary for the Missi reveals much
important information about the rules that Charlemagne used to
build his empire and develop the relations between the emperor
and all the social classes. This document shows that
Charlemagne’s vision of his empire was primarily based on
loyalty to Christian beliefs and principles combined with well-
structured central power of the emperor.
Charlemagne saw Christianity as the force that could have
exceptionally positive impact on the unification of his empire.
Moreover, there are no reasons to believe that he was not a
devout Christian himself and treated his support of Christianity
as an important moral duty. At the first sentence of the analyzed
document Charlemagne present himself to all the readers of this
text as the “Christian lord emperor” (Charlemagne, para. 1). It
is a crucial step in establishing the logical links between the
power of the emperor and the strength of the church. At the time
when Charlemagne issues this document there are many
different tensions between European countries and the rulers
often experienced significant difficulties in reaching
compromises. It led to various military conflicts that devastated

7. the lands and impoverished people. Uniting all the territories
under common ideology was an effective method to avoid these
problems and, as a result, make the power of the emperor
stronger. The differences in the religious views that often came
to the surface in the relations between different tribes had
extremely corrosive impact on the development of the state, so
Christianity as a common religion was a key to success and
stability. The idea of the emperor as a Christian ruler also
secured the support of the Pope who was a force that played an
important role in medieval Europe. Despite the fact that
sometimes Popes were weak and fell under the influence of
kings, the words of the Catholic Church were still something
that added legitimacy to any ruler, decree or event.
According to the document, Charlemagne paid special attention
not only to proclaiming the superiority of Christian beliefs, but
also to the regulation of clergy functions and behavior. There
were many documented cases when the representatives of the
medieval church violated the norms of Christian moral and thus
damaged the image of the church as the embodiment of sacred
ideals. Therefore, Charlemagne highlighted that he did not have
any intention of making exceptions for anyone. He writes, “All
shall live entirely in accordance with God’s precept, justly and
under a just rule” (Charlemagne, para. 2). Another crucial
aspect that Charlemagne wanted to stress in relation to the
clergy is that they should not intervene into the state matters
and leave this sphere completely to the emperor. He claims,
“Let them in no way usurp to themselves secular business”
(Charlemagne, para. 16). This wish is explained by the fact that
the Church often tried to manipulate the secular governments to
achieve the maximum profit or power in the region.
Charlemagne was not ready to agree with this type of relations
and wanted to have a clear dividing line between the duties of
the church and the emperor.
This document describes a set of rule and ideas that had to be
accepted as the supreme secular law at all territories subject to
Charlemagne. It portrays the emperor as the person able to

8. guarantee support to all categories of population, especially the
vulnerable ones. He promises to take care “of the holy churches
of God and of the poor, of wards and widows, and of the whole
people” (Charlemagne, para. 3). Therefore, Charlemagne is
shown as the embodiment of Christian justice in any part of his
vast empire. The emperor also clearly highlights that in
exchange for this protection he urges everyone to be loyal to
him as the ruler. He is careful about eliminating all the chances
of interpreting this document in the way to avoid the emperor’s
control, so these binding relations between the population and
the emperor are described in detail and the main points are
repeated throughout the text.
The notion of fidelity to the superior ruler was one of the
central concepts for almost all medieval countries. Charlemagne
was aware how many different problems may arise when the
emperor did not feel support of his subjects and was not sure
whether he could rely on them in case of difficulties. Therefore,
a large part of the General Capitulary for the Missi is devoted to
the description of different rules that should guarantee the
emperor the fidelity of his subjects. Charlemagne even mentions
that those who pledged their fidelity to him as the king should
do the same in his new status of the emperor. The concept of
fidelity was also important as in fact the medieval rulers, like
Charlemagne, could not rely on the effective judicial system
that would make the subjects obey the supreme ruler. As a
result, it was necessary to exert every effort to make fidelity
one of the most respected and almost “divine” ideas for the
society.
Another important aspect of the document is obedience to the
emperor’s orders that was seen as an important prerequisite for
the successful running of the empire. Charlemagne writes, “No
one shall presume to neglect a summons to war from the lord
emperor” (Charlemagne, para. 10). This sentence is of great
importance in the text as it explains the basic principle of the
medieval warfare – when the ruler wants to launch any military
campaign, he should address his vassals and make them join his

9. initiative. In fact, medieval kings and emperors seldom had
strong armies of their own and to stop the invaders or conquer
new territories they should cooperate with the nobles of lower
ranks. In the next paragraph Charlemagne also adds that “no one
shall presume to impede in any way a ban or command of the
lord emperor (Charlemagne, para. 11). In this way Charlemagne
establishes his orders and decrees to be the top legislative
documents on his territories. He also attempts to secure that no
vassal, despite his strength and popularity in the regions, would
try to establish his own “kingdom” in Charlemagne’s empire. It
helped the emperor focus on the development of other important
initiatives, like, for instance, adding new lands to the crown,
and stop fearing the betrayal from the other nobles.
All things considered, the General Capitulary for the Missi is an
important document that illustrates the main principles that
Charlemagne used to rule and control his empire. He gives a
full and detailed description of the ways in which he governs
his subjects, insists on their fidelity and grants them his royal
protection. He also outlines the obligations of the clergy and
clearly specifies the borders of the church power. Therefore,
this document provides deep insights into the nature of the
medieval state and the relations between the ruler, his subjects
and the Church. It shows that the main unifying principles that
Charlemagne focused on were the superiority of Christian
beliefs all over his empire and the complete obedience of his
subjects to the laws issued by the emperor.

10. [243–254] But when Hector came to Priam's palace, built with
splendid porches, and which had in it fifty chambers lined with
polished stone built near one another, where Priam's sons and
their wives rested, and where, on the other side of the courtyard
in twelve magnificent chambers also lined with polished marble,
the sons-in-law of Priam lay beside his spotless daughters.
There his mother queen accompanied by Laodice, loveliest of
all her children, went and met Hector.
[255–262] She grasped his hand and said: Why do you leave
the dangerous battle, my son? I fear that the Greeks (hateful
name!) are wearing you down and fighting around the city, so
that you seek, urged by distress, the acropolis, to lift your hands
in prayer to Zeus? But pause awhile until I shall bring you
wine. First, let us pour rich libation to Zeus and the other gods
so that you may drink and be refreshed. For wine is mighty and
renews the strength of weary man; and weary you must be
having long defended your city and your men.
[263–287] To whom Hector majestically replied: “My dear
mother, do not bring me wine, unless I forget my might. I fear,
beside, with unwashed hands to pour libation of wine to Zeus,
nor is it right to pray to the storm-stirring god when I am
spattered with blood and gore. You, therefore, gather all our
women, and take burnt offerings to the temple of Athena Pallas,
huntress of the spoil. Select from the attire treasured within thy
chamber the most beautiful robe, the one which you prize
most—then spread the gift on Athena Pallas' divine lap. Promise
you will sacrifice twelve one-year old heifers, untouched with
puncture of the prod, if she will pity city of Troy, and our wives
and our children, in hopes that she will avert the son of Tydeus
from these sacred towers, that dreadful Chief, terror of our
entire host. Go then, my mother, seek the hallowed temple of
Athena. I, meanwhile, will go see Paris and call him out, if he is
still willing to hear. May the earth yawn and swallow him
whole! He who Zeus had made a curse to Troy, and to Priam

11. and to his entire house; I think to see him plunged into the
house of Hades forever! This would cure all my woes."
[288–298] So he spoke. The Queen, entering her palace, called
out to her maidens. They, throughout Troy, gathered all the
women and convened just as she requested. In the meantime,
she went into her incense-fumed wardrobe where her treasures
lay, the works of Sidonian women, who were brought to Troy by
her godlike son Paris, when he crossed the seas with well-
begotten Helen. She chose the most magnificent and most
colorful, vivid as a star it shone, the loveliest of all in the sky.
Then she went, the Trojan matrons all following her steps.
[299–313] But when the long procession reached the temple of
Athena in the heights of Troy, the fair Theano Daughter of
Cisseus, brave Antenor's spouse, opened the doors wide. She
had been, at this time, appointed as Priestess of Athena. All
with lifted hands in prayer to Athena, they wept aloud.
Beautiful Theano placed the robe on the Goddess' lap, and to
the fair daughter of Zeus omnipotent her prayer she addressed.
Goddess of Goddesses, our city's shield, adored Athena, hear!
oh! break the lance of Diomede, and allow him to fall prone in
the dust before the Scæan gate. So that we may offer to you at
your shrine, on this day twelve one-year old heifers, untouched
by yoke or prod, if you will show pity to Troy, and save our
children and our wives. Such prayer the priestess offered, but
Athena did not accept the request.
[314–331] But meanwhile, Hector went to the palace of
Alexander, which himself had built, aided by every illustrious
architect in Troy. The chamber had a wide hall, proud dome,
and on the top of the city of Troy Priam’s house neighbored
Hector's house. There entered Hector, Zeus-beloved, and in his
hand he held a spear sixteen feet in length, its glittering point
bound with a ring of gold. He found Paris within his chamber,
polishing with the most exact care, his resplendent armor,

12. shield, and his chest plate, while fingering over with curious
touch and tampering with his bow. Helen of Argos with her
female train sat occupied, assigning each their own task. Hector
fixed his eyes on Paris, rebuked him with his stern look, “Your
adventures of the heart are ill-timed. The people perish at our
lofty walls; the flames of war have compassed Troy entirely and
it is you who has kindled them. Your slackness shows; you
should fight with anyone who holds back in this hateful war, so
come to battle before the whole city burns."
[332–344] To which Paris replied, “Graceful as a god since,
Hector, you have charged me with a fault, and not unjustly, I
will give you an answer, and give you special heed. The reason
I sit here is because of sorrow, which I wished to ease, in
secret, not displeasure or revenge. I tell you also, that now even
my wife tried to convince me in most soothing terms that I
should go to battle, and I myself am aware that victory often
changes sides and that is the course I prefer. Wait awhile,
therefore, until I dress for the fight, or go first, and I will catch
up soon." He stopped speaking, to whom brave Hector did not
reply.
[345–368] Helen addressed Hector with lenient speech, “My
brother! who in me has found a sister worthy of your hatred ,
the author of all Troy’s calamity, oh I wish that the winds, on
the day I was born, had swept me out of sight and whirled me
aloft to some inhospitable mountain-top, or plunged me in the
deep. I wish that there I had sunk overwhelmed, and all these
ills had never taken place. But since the gods would bring these
ills to pass, I should, at least, have chosen some mate more
worthy, one not immune to public shame! But this man has an
unstable mind, and it will always be unstable! Someday he
shall find his just reward. But come in, take this seat, my
brother, for troubles follow you most because of me! The crime,
my brother, for which the gods have fated, both for Paris and
my most detested self, will be the burdens of an endless song!”

13. To which the warlike Hector replied, “Bid me not, Helen, to a
seat, however you wish I may stay, for you won’t persuade me.
The Trojans miss me, and I myself am anxious to return to
them. But urge in this man to get moving, or just let him urge
himself to overtake me while I am still in town. For I must head
home quickly so that I may see my beloved Andromache and my
infant boy, and my domestic servants, since I am ignorant if
ever I will see them again, or if my fate ordains me now to fall
by Grecian hands."
[369–390] So spoke the dauntless hero, and he left. But he soon
reached his own well-built abode but he did not find his fair
Andromache inside. Rather, she stood lamenting Hector, with
the wet nurse who helped her bore her infant son. He then, not
finding his chaste wife inside, asked her attendants from the
doorway, “Tell me, maidens, where is Andromache the fair? Did
she go see her sisters or one of my brother’s wives? Or to
Athena’s temple, where the bright-haired matrons of the city
gather to appease the awful Goddess? Tell me true.” To which
his household's servant replied, “Hector, if truth is your
demand, receive this true answer: She did not go to see her
sisters, nor to Athena’s temple, where the bright-haired matrons
of the city gather to appease the awful Goddess; but she went to
the tower of Troy, for she had heard that the Greeks had
prevailed, and driven the Trojans to the walls. She, therefore,
with wild grief, went to the tower with haste, along with her wet
nurse and young child.” So spoke the prudent attendant.
[391–402] When Hector heard her words issuing from his door
he left the house with hasty steps, back through the streets of
lofty Troy. Having traversed the entire spacious city, he finally
approached The Scæan gate, through which he leaves the city
and passes through the plain. There, his noble wife met him.
Andromache the rich-endowed and fair daughter of Eëtion
famed in arms, who lived in Hypoplacian Thebes, Cilicia's
mighty lord. It was his daughter whom valiant Hector had

14. wedded and she met him there, along with her wet nurse,
bearing in her arms Scamandrios, his infant darling boy,
beautiful as a star. Although Hector called Scamandrios, the
rest of Troy called him Astyanax, for that Hector's arm alone
was the defense and strength of Troy.
[403–426] The father, silent, eyed his babe, and smiled.
Andromache, meanwhile, stood before him, with tears streaming
down her cheeks, grasped his hand, and said, “Your own great
courage will destroy you, my noble Hector! Neither do you take
pity on your helpless infant nor my pitiful self, whose
widowhood is near; for you will fall before long, assailed by the
whole host of Greece. Then let my tomb be my best retreat
when you are dead – for I can expect neither comfort nor joy
after your death, only sorrow. I have no father and no mother.
When Cilicia's city, Thebes was sacked by Achilles, he slew my
father; but he did not strip him of his reverence, because he
respected him. He burned my father in his armor on a funeral
pyre, and filled his tomb, which the nymphs, Zeus’ daughters,
had enclosed with elm trees. My seven brothers, the glory of
our house, all in one day descended to the house of Hades. For
brave Achilles, while they fed their herds and snowy flocks
together, slew them all. My mother, Queen of the well-wooded
realm Of Hypoplacian Thebes, was brought among his other
spoils. Achilles sold her inestimable ransom-price, but by
Artemis’ arrow pierced her and she died at home.
[427–451] Yet Hector—oh my husband! I in you I find parents,
brothers, and all that I have lost. Come! Have compassion on
us. Do not go to battle, but guard this tower, unless you make a
widow of me and an orphan of your young boy. The city walls
are easiest of ascent at that fig-tree; station your troops there,
for some prophet told me this. Each Ajax with Idomeneus of
Crete, the sons of Atreus, and the valiant son of Tydeus, have
now three times assailed the town and tested the wall.” Great
Hector replied, “These cares, Andromache, which you engage,

15. all touch me as well, but I dread to incur the scorn of male and
female tongues in Troy, if, I should decline the fight like a
coward. Nor feel I such a wish. No. I have learned to be
courageous always, in the forefront among the fighters of Troy
to demonstrate my glorious father's honor, and also my own.
For the day shall come when sacred Troy, when Priam, and the
people of the of his kingdom shall perish, I am sure. But I weep
for no Trojan, not even for Hecuba, nor yet for Priam, nor for
all the brave of my own brothers who shall kiss the dust, or for
you and I, because far greater is the sorrow I would have when
the Greeks take you away crying, and take away your freedom."
[452–477] Then you shall toil in Argos at the loom for a task-
mistress, and constrained you will draw water from Hypereïa's
fountain or from Messeïs fountain, her proud command. Some
Greek then, seeing your tears, shall say— “This was the wife of
Hector, who excelled all Troy in fight when Troy was
besieged.” Such they will say to you, and your heart, all the
while, will bleed fresh through want of such a friend to stand
between captivity and yourself. But may I rest beneath my hill
of earth or before that day arrive! I would not live to hear your
cries, and see you torn away!” So saying, illustrious Hector
stretched his arms forth to his son, but with a scream, the child
fell back into the bosom of his nurse, afraid of his father’s face,
whose bright armor he had attentively marked and his shaggy
crest poking out over his helmet's height. His father and his
gentle mother laughed and noble Hector lifting from his head,
he placed his dazzling helmet, on the ground, then kissed his
boy and handled him, and thus in earnest prayer the heavenly
powers implored, “Listen, gods! as you have given to me, so
also on my son excelling might bestow, with chief authority in
Troy. And be his record this, in time to come, when he returns
from battle, help my son excel even his father! May every foe
fall under him, and he comes home laden with spoils blood-
stained to his dear mother's joy!” He said, and gave his infant to
the arms of his Andromache, who she welcomed him into her

16. fragrant bosom, bitter tears with sweet smiles mingling.
[478-–497] Hector was moved with pity at this sight, touched
her cheek softly, and said, “Do not mourn too much for me, my
beloved Andromache, no man shall send me to the house of
Hades, before my allotted hour, and nobody lives who can live
longer than that date which heaven assigned him, be he base or
brave. Go then, and occupy yourself with the housework, the
woman's sphere; practice the distaff, spin and weave, and order
your servants their work. War belongs to man; to all men; and
of all who first drew vital breath in Troy, and most of all to me.
He ceased, and he raised his crested helmet from the ground.
His Andromache, at once obedient, to her home began to leave,
but turned several times as she went and each time she wept
again. No sooner that she arrived at the palace that her
numerous maidens were found within, she raised a general
lamentation, with one voice, in Hector’s own house, his whole
domestic train mourned Hector, yet still alive; for none the hope
conceived of his escape from Greek hands, or to behold their
living master more.
TEXT ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT
The following information should be used in preparing your
out-of-class writing assignment for this course. Requirements
and topics appear below, along with some tips about writing
history papers.
Format and Presentation Requirements:
Your Text Analysis should meet the following requirements:
4 pages of text (i.e. 1,200-1,500 words), typewritten or word
processed Double spaced with standard font (Times New
Roman, size 12) Standard margins (1 inch top and bottom, left
and right sides)

17. A separate title page should include the following information:
your name, HIST 100, Text Analysis I, some sort of fancy-
schmancy title.
If you use sources other than those assigned for this class in
completing this assignment, you will need to provide a list of
those sources (Bibliography) on a separate page at the end of
your paper. Additional research is, however, not required.
Your paper will include an Introduction in which you will
outline your argument in a thesis statement. Be sure to mention
the author and the text you plan to analyze. Your thesis
statement should NOT be in the form of a question – turn your
questions into assertions. A thesis statement is generally the last
sentence of your first paragraph.
Each body paragraph (you will probably have at least 3-4)
should start with a topic sentence (the main point of the
paragraph) and be supported with direct evidence from the text
either in “quotations” or summarized. Either way, the evidence
must be cited (as noted below). Be sure to have AT LEAST
ONE piece of evidence for each claim.
Finish your paper with a conclusion. Don’t add new information
here, just summarize your main points.
1
Sources for the Text Analysis:
This writing assignment requires you to analyze the primary
source documents assigned for the course, as found in the
Primary Resource section of the e-text. It does NOT require
additional research or the use of readings other than those
assigned for the class. If you include specific material from the
textbook itself, (rather than the Primary Sources) you will need
to cite author and webpage section. If you decide to consult

18. readings or sources other than those assigned for the class,
please be sure to cite them fully and accurately, according to
the citation requirements indicated below.
Citation Requirements
You will be expected to use parenthetical (in-text) citation in
your Text Analysis. The purpose of these citations is to indicate
to your readers where you found specific information that you
have included in your paper. As long as you are using the
Primary Resources, your citation need only include the author's
name and the section number on which the information appears.
If there is no section number for the Primary Source, just
include the author’s name and the paragraph number.
If you use material from sources other than those assigned,
including sources on the Internet, you will need to provide
additional information about those sources. I don’t really mind
what format of citations you use (APA, MLA, Chicago,
Harvard, etc.), as long they are complete and consistent. Please
contact me if you have questions regarding citations.
Grading Criteria
Argument: Clear and concise argument, thesis and topic
sentences Use of evidence: Quality of response to topic;
effective use of evidence Critical Analysis: Quality of
interpretation and analysis of evidence Citation: Correct
format and use of quotes and citations Organization:
Effective introduction and conclusion, organized text
Writing and Format: Text free of errors (spelling, grammar,
punctuation)
Topics for Text Analysis 1 - Choose ONE OF THE
FOLLOWING:
What glimpses do we get from Homer’s Iliad of the respective

19. roles of men in society? How do those differ from the roles of
women in Greek society? What values would these poems have
taught young children? Use Homer’s Iliad in Primary
Resources, Chapter 3.
Some Rules for Successful Writing Assignments:
1. Spell out time references: "seventh century" instead of "7th
century."
2. Hyphenate time references correctly, according to their use in
the sentence: "The Trojan War is thought to have occurred in
the twelfth-century BC." (adjective). "In the twelfth century,
war was a constant threat to society." (noun).
3. When using brief quotations, remember to use quotation
marks to indicate clearly when you are reproducing someone
else's words verbatim:
As Spielvogel notes, "Women were citizens who could
participate in most religious cults and festivals," (Spielvogel,
84).
4. Remember to cite specific material that you paraphrase - the
ideas came from someone else, even if you expressed or
summarized in your own words!
5. Avoid slang, jargon and contractions (can't, don't, haven't)
6. Remember to make the subjects and verbs agree in number,
as well as nouns and pronouns: "Scholars could circulate their
ideas in print" rather than "A scholar could circulate their ideas
in print."
7. Avoid run-on sentences, comma splices, and paragraphs that
go on for 2-3 pages! (In other words, think carefully about
sentence structure, punctuation and paragraph organization).
8. Avoid overuse of the passive voice (The cat was chased by
the dog) in favor of the active voice (the gods chased the cat).
Active voice is more direct, more vivid and allows you to use
more verbs.
9. Remember to use the past tense where appropriate in writing

20. about the past (which is often!)
10. PLEASE PROOFREAD!!!!!!! ALREADY DID IT? DO IT
AGAIN!!!!!!!!