Question

In Selection 1, Book 1, the poet begins the epic in medias res. Given this fact, which is most likely true about the episode of Achille’s wrath?
A. The episode is one of the major causes of the Trojan War. Beginning with it establishes Achilles’ guilt.
B. The episode is a flashback from the end of the Trojan War. Beginning with it makes Achilles’ foolishness clear.
C. The episode takes place near the beginning of the Trojan War. Beginning with it makes the story easy to follow.
D. The episode takes place while the Trojan War is already underway. Beginning with it creates immediate drama.

Answer 1

D.

The Iliad opens in medias res — during the Trojan War (not at its start) — and the episode of Achilles’ wrath occurs while the war is already underway. Beginning in the middle of events heightens immediate drama.