Women in The Iliad
serve as helpless
pawns but also as a
moral voice in the
poem. I. Introduction A. Homeric poems may contain several layers due to revisions throughout history. B. The Iliad is an epic poem about the manly heroic ideal. II. Women in The Iliad serve as pawns in the Trojan
War. A. Helen is a
Pawn in the Trojan War. B. All humans in the poem serve as pawns to the gods. C. Aphrodite uses Helen as a pawn toward her own quest for power. III. Women also serve as the moral center of The Iliad. A. Helen recognizes her role in the Trojan War. B. Andromakke reminds Hector of his obligations to his household. C. Women have a voice through laments and dirges. IV. Conclusion.