The Fate Of Patroclus Essay Research Paper

The Fate Of Patroclus Essay, Research Paper The Fate Of Patroclus Throughout The Iliad Of Homer, the constant theme of death is inherently apparent. Each main character, either by a spear or merely a scratch from an arrow, was wounded or killed during the progression of the story. For Zeus’ son, Sarpedon, it was a spear through the heart, and for Hector, it was the bronze of the mighty Achilles through his neck which caused his early demise. It seems that no one could escape an agonizing fate. Of these deaths, the most interesting and intriguing death of all is that of Achilles’ dear friend Patroclus. Although his life was taken by the mighty Hector’s spear, who was truly liable for his death? Could it have been Zeus or Hector or the mighty Achilles to blame for this

horrible death? The intricate story line of The Iliad makes many possible answers available, but only one possibility accurately explains the actions and events that led to this gruesome episode. The only person to blame for the death of mighty Patrocles was himself. First of all, Patrocles was responsible for his own death because he requested his insertion into the battle, fully knowing that the Achaeans were being unmercifully defeated. In Book XVI , Patroclus said, ” Send me forth now at the head of the Myrmidon host That I may be a light of hope to the Danaans. And let me strap on my shoulders that armor of yours That the zealous Trojans take me for you and quickly Withdraw from the fighting.” Because Achilles refused to help the Achaeans battle the Trojans, a

discontented Patroclus took the matter into his own hands by requesting activation into battle disguised as Achilles in the hope of sending the Trojans into a full retreat from the sight of him. It is apparent that Patroclus was willing to fight although the odds were greatly against him. His vehemence towards the Trojans coupled with his disappointment of Achilles gave him the drive to conquer the Trojan army with or without the aid of Achilles. In doing so, Patroclus took an enormous risk that the Trojans would fall for his trick, a risk with his life as the stakes. Essentially, while pleading to Achilles for battle, it was his own dark death for which he plead. Next, because Patroclus ignored Achilles’ warnings before battle, the blame for his death can only be placed upon

himself. In Book XVI, Achilles said, ” Do not, I tell you, get carried away In the heat of conflict and slaughter and so lead the men Toward the city. For one of the gods everlasting may decide To descend from Olympus and fight against you – Apollo, For instance, who works from afar and dearly loves All Trojans. Come back, then, when once you have saved the Vessels, and let others go fighting across the plain.” In explanation, Achilles was saying that he wanted Patroclus to lead the Myrmidons in an attack against the Trojans to drive them away from the ships. Once that was done, he wanted Patroclus and the army to return because imminent death surrounded Troy, antagonized by Zeus and Apollo. However, Patroclus did not heed this warning. After going into battle and sending

the Trojans into a full retreat, Patroclus was overcome with fury over his slain comrade, Epeigeus, and ordered a full scale attack upon the walls of Troy. ” Then Patroclus, calling Commands to the horses and to Automedon, drove In pursuit of the Trojans and Lycians, blind foolhardy child That he was! For had he obeyed the careful orders of Peleus’ son Achilles, he surely would then Have escaped the miserable doom of murky death.” This passage in Book XVI foreshadowed how this grave mistake would lead to Patroclus’ death. Because of his overwhelming desire to take revenge for the many Achaeans defeated in battle, Patroclus failed to realize the accompanying consequences to his suicide mission. No one else made the decision to attack, therefore, only Patroclus is to blame