2.4 The Fall of Troy - Part I - Std 9 - Kumarbharati

Author: Retold from Homer’s The Iliad

Genre: Mythological Narrative / Epic Retelling

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

This lesson is a retelling of Homer’s epic The Iliad, which narrates the story of the ten-year-long Trojan War. The conflict began when Paris, a Trojan prince, took Helen, the wife of Greek king Menelaus, to Troy. In response, Greek kings and heroes laid siege to Troy to bring her back. Troy, a prosperous city protected by strong walls and brave warriors, resisted for ten years. Many battles were fought and great heroes like Hector and Achilles lost their lives. Ultimately, the Greeks used clever tactics (to be detailed in Part II) to conquer the city. The lesson highlights the bravery of warriors, the causes of war, and the fall of a once-mighty city through a blend of history and mythology.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson explores themes of pride, betrayal, bravery, and the downfall of powerful civilizations. It also shows how myth and legend reflect cultural values and historical truths.

Character Sketches

1. Paris

• A prince of Troy

• Handsome but selfish and impulsive

• Eloped with Helen, causing the war

• Ultimately killed by a poisoned arrow

  
  

2. Hector

• Brave Trojan warrior and leader

• Loyal to his city and people

• Fought valiantly for nine years

• Killed by Achilles in a duel

  
  

3. Achilles

• Greatest Greek warrior

• Fierce and undefeated in battle

• Killed Hector but later died due to a poisoned arrow in his heel

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions

1. Infinitive/Gerund

   Sentence: He began to sing his poems.

   Question: Identify the infinitive.

   Answer: to sing

   
   

2. Passive Voice / Indirect Speech

   Sentence: The Greeks attacked Troy.

   Question: Change into passive voice.

   Answer: Troy was attacked by the Greeks.

   
   

3. Modal

   Sentence: The Trojans could not force the Greeks to sail away.

   Question: Identify the modal verb and its use.

   Answer: could – shows inability

   
   

4. Tense / Transformation

   Sentence: The Greeks sailed to Troy.

   Question: Change into present continuous tense

   Answer: The Greeks are sailing to Troy.

   
   

5. Wh-question framing

   Sentence: Paris eloped with Helen.

   Question: Who did Paris elope with?

   Answer: Helen

   
   

💬 Personal Response Questions

1. Would you consider Paris responsible for the war? Why?

   Yes, Paris's decision to elope with Helen, a married woman, triggered a major war. His actions reflect selfishness without concern for consequences.

   
   

2. Do you admire Hector’s role in the story?

   Yes, Hector was brave and loyal to his city. He fought with honour and protected Troy for nine years, making him a heroic figure.

   
   

3. Why do you think stories like these remain popular for centuries?

   They reflect timeless themes of love, pride, and war. These stories teach moral lessons and connect us with the values of ancient cultures.

   
   

4. Do you believe war is ever justified? Why or why not?

   War may sometimes be unavoidable for defence or justice, but it always brings suffering. Dialogue and peace are better solutions.

   
   

True or False

1. Helen was the wife of Paris.

   → False

   
   

2. Hector was killed by Achilles.

   → True

   
   

3. Troy was a weak and poorly protected city.

   → False

   
   

Probable Board Questions

1. Why did the Greeks declare war on Troy?

   The Greeks declared war because Paris, a Trojan prince, eloped with Helen, the wife of Greek king Menelaus. It was seen as a great insult.

   
   

2. How was Troy protected during war?

   Troy had strong walls, brave warriors like Hector, and a strategic location near mountains and the sea, making it difficult to conquer.

   
   

3. Why is Homer honoured as the Father of European Poetry?

   Homer is believed to have composed and recited The Iliad and The Odyssey, which are foundational to European literature.

   
   

4. What does the story of Troy teach us about war?

   It teaches that pride, revenge, and personal conflicts can lead to long-lasting wars, causing the downfall of even great civilizations.

   
   

Appreciation or Reflection Paragraph

The story “The Fall of Troy” is a gripping retelling of one of the world’s oldest and most famous wars. It introduces us to brave warriors, moral choices, and the consequences of human pride. The narrative style is informative and dramatic, blending myth with historical flavour. I found the character of Hector especially admirable due to his bravery and sacrifice. The lesson also offers insights into how literature preserves culture. Overall, it reminds us of the futility of war and the importance of honour and justice in leadership.

English Worksheet:

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