Examine the roles of women and men in ancient Greek society as depicted in the story. For instance, Book I opens with Achilles’ anger over having been denied Briseis, whom he considers his share of the plunder after a victory. Although women create plot devices like this, they possess no real power in Greek society, which could be further supported with more evidence from the story. On the other hand, men represent power and physical prowess, so Paris’s failure to follow through with his initial challenge creates a struggle between himself and his brother as well as with Helen. This attitude about men’s roles could make an effective essay.
