PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: WRITING A HERO’S LAMENT
Read the following passage on the death of Achilles’ friend and mentor, Patroclus.
When Achilles and the Greeks had taken their revenge on the killer of Patroclus they busied themselves in paying due funeral rites to their friend. A pile was erected, and the body burned with due solemnity; and then ensued games of strength and skill, chariot races, wrestling, boxing, and archery. Then the chiefs sat down to the funeral banquet and after that retired to rest.
What do you notice about the language of this passage? Phrases like “paying due funeral rites” and “due solemnity” show us that the Greeks took honoring their dead very seriously.
In fact: when Hector of Troy was killed, the Greeks allowed a pause in the battle so that he could be properly mourned. King Priam himself went to beg Achilles for Hector’s body to be returned to Troy.
Based on the text, we can see that the funeral rites included more than just a church or graveside service. This was a celebration of life at its fullest, with sporting events, processionals, and even feasts!
One can imagine that in the midst of all of these events would be speeches given to honor the deceased. Your assignment is to choose one of the heroes of the Trojan War and compose a “Hero’s Lament” in their honor. Use the information below to help you outline your speech.
Elements of a Hero’s Lament:
Identify the hero.
Extol the hero’s virtues—the character traits of the hero.
Recount specific heroic deeds—what they did that was heroic.
Establish hero’s legacy—what they leave behind and how they will be remembered
Submit your hero's lament of no more than 300 words, about 2-3 minutes in length. You may need to do a bit of outside research on your hero. Be sure to use good judgment in any Internet searches you conduct! Remember your goal: to honor one of the heroes of Troy. Imagine yourself there, in that time. What would be valued by the Ancient Greeks? What words would bring the hero the most honor?.
