Essay Questions

In what circumstances does Briseis get pregnant?

The reader learns that Briseis was not with Achilles because of love but forced circumstances. Achilles killed Briseis's parents and enslaved her for sexual satisfaction. Therefore, Briseis does not get pregnant for Achilles because he loves him, but he forcefully rapes with legal authority.

What do readers learn from Amina’s courage and determination?

Amina is a religious woman who is fearless and determined to prove that the Troy women can make individual decisions without the influence of men. When Amina comes across the body of King Priam along the beach, she violates the Greek laws, which forbid any citizen from burying a foreigner. Therefore, leaders learn that a person should be confident, courageous and focused.

How did Pyrrhus manage to win the war and kill King Priam in the battle?

Pyrrhus started practicing how to fight when he was a young child. The reader learns that Pyrrhus was stubborn, and he used to beat his nurse severally. Therefore, when an opportunity to participate in the war came, Pyrrhus was in the frontline alongside Greek warriors to face the Trojans. The Greek warriors despised Pyrrhus, and they argued that he would die. Ironically, Pyrrhus emerged heroic when he killed the king of Trojans.