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Rawshan Tabassum’s essay: Patroclus in Homer’s The Iliad is an unmanifest jewel and shining idol for modern youth.

Patroclus is not quite as well-known as many other figures in The Iliad, nor is his name as widely recognized as that of Achilles. Despite this, his name narrative role, and characterization have a large bearing on Homer’s epic poem The Iliad. Amid the heroes of The Iliad, Patroclus is hardly the most well-known, but he is nonetheless largely the reason that Achilles’ grief and desire for vengeance are so compelling and central to the epic. His presence in the narrative also provides an illuminating contrast to the often cruel and arrogant characters Achilles and Agamemnon, thus further enabling the text’s exploration of war. While Homer’s society celebrated militaristic prowess and glory in the battle, Homer nonetheless expresses sympathy for the plight of soldiers. The epic engages with human sufferings, alongside themes of vulnerability, loss, and revenge, exploring each of these through Patroclus. 

Throughout The Iliad, Patroclus is portrayed as Achilles’ right-hand man, often carrying out chores for him. However, he plays a more prominent role after Achilles argues with King Agamemnon of Mycenae over his slave-lover Briseis and after he refuses to fight anymore, just to spite Agamemnon. In Book 11, a sulking Achilles sent Patroclus to find out which of the Greeks had been wounded. At this time Patroclus is warmly welcomed by Nestor and was asked when Achilles would come to the aid of his fellow Acheans and tell Patroclus that he may be the only one who could change Achilles’ mind about fighting. After the rejection from Achilles to rejoin in the battle in Book-16 is where Patroclus’ story takes center stage in The Iliad. Patroclus is passionate as well as fierce; when Achilles will not fight for pride and Agamemnon also concern about his pride, it is Patroclus who attempt to save his comrades from certain death. He begged Achilles’ to let him fight while wearing his armor, not being able to stand by and do nothing while his fellow countryman died: “And give me your fine armor to buckle on my back, so the Trojans might take me for you, Achilles, yes.” (The Iliad,16.46-47). It is Patroclus, who is the only one, fight for his countryman not for any self-advantages.

The Trojans instantly mistook Patroclus for Achilles’ fearless nature and fierceness on the battlefield, as he was the first to hurl his spear and managed to trap the Trojans between the Greek ships and Greek army, refusing to let them retreat behind the safe walls of Troy. Patroclus kills Trojans after Trojans and vows to kill Serpendon, the son of Zeus. Hera suggests to Zeus to let Serpendon die; if he saves him, the other gods also do it. To maintain his reputation Zeus resigned himself to save his son; “But the will of Zeus always overpower the will of men”. (The Iliad,16.803-805). The conspiracy of God against Patroclus takes place from this incident. When Achilles prays to Zeus both Patroclus and the ship’s unharmed, Zeus accepts the second one. Patroclus attempted to take the mighty walls of Troy four times, but he was stopped by Apollo each time. In this, the involvement of God in the war opens the door for Patroclus to welcome the cold death. Hector was encouraged by Apollo to join the fight with Patroclus. On the other hand, Apollo…helmet off… removed Patroclus ‘armor, leaving him defenseless; “Hector waiting, watching the greathearted Patroclus trying to stagger free”. (The Iliad,16.651-657). The Acheans watched in horror as Patroclus was struck down. With his dying breath, Patroclus declared that he would have been successful if God had not betrayed and warned Hector and the Trojans that Achilles would avenge him. Patroclus’ death became the reason for Achilles to rejoin in the battle. The Trojans also made trade with Patroclus’ body for Serpendon. They are so concerned about militaristic honors so; the dead body is important to them. Menelaus, king of Sparta, protects Patroclus’ body and Achilles’ armor with the help of Athena. However, Patroclus is not only a patriotic figure but also a kindhearted person which is why even the captive woman Briseis joined with Achilles to mourn for him.

Patroclus’ death is nothing but a conspiracy. His emotional patriotism was used by Achaeans and threw him into God’s conspiracy. Patroclus can be considered a heroic figure in The Iliad because of his courage to save his nation. Unlike Agamemnon, Achilles even Hector was concerned about his honor instead of fighting only for his countryman. Additionally, Patroclus died not for the lack of courage, but for the conspiracy of hypocrites God and the stateman of his nation. In The Iliad, it is also noticeable that Hector is often considered a real hero in the poem even if he cannot accept his wish for a heroic death to become a legend. In contrast, Patroclus' true patriotism is similar to that of the “teenage lover,” whose madness and love for his nation prevent him from identifying the anthropomorphic god’s conspiracy and Achaean’s selfishness. In Homer's The Iliad, Patroclus’ character offers great lessons to the contemporary youths. Today's world is full of politics and politicians often act like anthropomorphic gods; they conspire to take self-advantages. In that case, more commonly they use religious emotions and target patriots like Patroclus; they intentionally create religious and so many types of conflicts to destroy unity along with dividing the mass people. 

Finally, according to my interpretation of this tragic poem I think, the character of Patroclus never avowed a real gem in The Iliad nevertheless, at the same time it delivers two messages to the contemporary young generation; the first one is, to be a patriot but never act as a “teenage lover” rather utilise your intelligence for not being used by self-seeking individuals. Furthermore, undoubtedly Patroclus is a luminous role model to the young generation because of his authentic love for his nation.


Reference:

  • Homer. The Iliad. Trans. Anthony Verity. London, Oxford University Press, (2012), Oxford World’s Classics. 

  • “Patroclus is a Heroic figure in The Iliad.” Prompt. ChatGPT, 12Apr.version, OpenAI, 15 May.2023. 

Rawshan Tabassum is a recent English Department graduate and newcomer to the creative writing publication sector. She has been creating poems and tales since she was a child and enjoys performing instant storytelling. Furthermore, she enjoys creative writing that incorporates her academic understanding and personal interpretation. She usually uses social media as a writing venue. Throughout her university years, her parents and teachers appreciated and inspired her for her exceptional interpreting abilities. Her loved ones have inspired her to create a book, and she is currently working on it. Writing provides her with mental serenity; thus she wishes to pursue a profession in it.

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