Iliad Lesson Plan

Debate: War and Peace

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Students will explore a central dilemma of the text and the implications thereof.

Common Core Standards:

N/A

Structure:

Much of The Iliad is devoted to consideration of the appeal of war, and especially of honor and glory in war. But not only does the Greeks' greatest warrior, Achilles, refuse to participate in the war for a time – he also puts into question the rationale for war itself.

In this activity, students will debate the question: is the Trojan War worth fighting, in the end? The teacher should begin the activity by explaining the question and dividing the class into three groups. After the...