Theme of Lies and Deceit in The Trojan Horse

Theme of Lies and Deceit in The Trojan Horse

The old Trojan Horse trick is one of the most legendary deceits of all time, so there's no doubt that this story is going be chock full of lies. Not only is Odysseus' sneaky plan totally deceptive, the plan also requires Sinon to tell a whole string of lies to get the Trojans to drag the giant horse into their city. So the real question becomes this: just how dishonorable is it of the Greeks to use this tactic? You could see them as low down scoundrels, or you could see them as just being smarter than their enemies.

Questions About Lies and Deceit

  1. Is it right or wrong of the Greeks to use the Trojan Horse stratagem? What do you think?
  2. Is it ever O.K. to lie? Why or why not?
  3. What would you say is the most destructive lie told in this story?
  4. List all the lies told by Sinon.
  5. Is Odysseus a clever strategist, or a total war criminal? Explain your answer.