August 21 - The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

1. In the Iliad, Patroclus is a relatively minor character. Why do you think the author chose him to be her narrator? Which other figures in the story might make interesting narrators?

I think if you're making up a backstory for an already existing character, it's easier to do that for one that doesn't have too much of a plotline themselves as you have less information to insert or explain.

2. What do you think are the reasons behind Thetis’ opposition to Patroclus?

It would be easy to suggest that it was because of the homosexual relationship between her son and Patroclus but I honestly think she was just pretty mad at the world and would have hated anyone who her son was in relationship with.

3. To what extent does Achilles’ ultimate destiny shape his choices? Is there such a thing as free will in this world?

I can only really answer this from a Christian perspective so I do believe that there is free will in this world. It's just that an all seeing, all knowing God will know the choices we'll make.
In Achilles case, knowing the prophecy absolutely shaped his choices but he always accepted the inevitable.

4. What is the significance of song and music in the novel?

I feel as though this is somewhat ambiguous. Obviously, Achilles was a skilled musician who played the lyre beautifully and could sing as well. But the book also mentioned somewhere about how Achilles body seemed to sing when he fought (I forgot to annotate this book so can't find it at the moment - sorry). Also, even today, any romance is strongly linked to lyrical works whether by music, song or poetry so I personally feel that the song of Achilles is likely referring to their love story.

5. Consider the explosive falling out between Achilles and Agamemnon. In what ways are each of them at fault for the rift? Could it have been avoided, or was it inevitable given that Achilles’s fate is determined?

They were both incredibly stubborn which annoyed me. In fact I would say that this is the biggest weakness in Millers retelling. Achilles had stated that he would not fight the trojans again until he either had an apology from Agamemnon or if the people he held dear were threatened.... and then he allowed Patroclus to go out into the fray dressed as him. His pride eventually became just as bad as Agamemnons and more important to him than Patroclus.

6. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is open to interpretation in the iliad. How do you feel about Miller's take on it?

I think it was interesting and certainly believable. They were also both clearly curious about exploring their feelings toward women which I also felt added an interesting and more authentic dimension to their characters. I'm not a massive fan of overly graphic sex scenes regardless of whether it's homosexual or hetrosexual and felt that Miller handled this well. Don't get me wrong, I like a bit of steam but really don't need to have who put what where explained to me in detail lol.

7. Briseis ended up becoming a pivotal character and bargaining chip. Why do you think she ended up becoming so important to both Achilles and Patroclus?

Initially I think Patroclus asking Achilles to claim Briseis was bourne out of a need to feel his humanity against the brutal backdrop of war, to prove that both he and Achilles were still capable of compassion. I think although Achilles did at times get jealous of the relationship between Patroclus and Briseis, he also got to know her and liked her and cared for her because he knew she was important to Patroclus.

8. Do you think Odysseus was a friend of Achilles or a foe?

Difficult to say really as he clearly had his own agenda that isn't explored in this book. Ultimately I think he was a fair man who wasn't necessarily either unless he needed to be.

9. What was your impression of Pyrrhus when he eventually joined the war against Troy?

An obnoxious brat!!! Growing up with his Mum, Deidameia who surely must have felt resentful toward Achilles and having Thetis as his Grandmother who seemed to be perpetually angry, it's hardly surprising that he didn't come across as the most likeable character.

10. What are your overall thoughts of this book and would you recommend it?

I really enjoyed reading this book and there were times where I found it quite difficult to put down. Greek mythology is one of my favourite genres so it was easy for me to get invested in the characters.
I wouldn't say it was the richest of books in this genre and it's very character based on both Achilles and Patroclus.
As mentioned earlier, the letdown of this book for me was the whole plot line of Patroclus going into battle dressed as Achilles with Achilles blessing. I just didn't quite buy it.

I've always felt a little intimidated by the iliad, but this book has made me want to read it.

I'm not sure that I'd recommend this book. It is good and I enjoyed it but not sure that it would be everyone's cup of tea. I honestly feel that this book would have benefited from having more explanation of other characters motives and stories.
It's hard to articulate but it felt as if it was a book of two halves. The first half being solely about the developing relationship between Achilles and Patroclus and the second half being about the war. The first half, while being a pleasant read felt a bit flat but the second half was a much more interesting. and exciting read.