Chapter XVI

Patroculus emerges! The Death of Sarpedon!

1. “If the Trojans think
I am you, they'll back off and give the Greeks
Some breathing space, what little there is in war. Our rested men will turn them with a shout
And push them back from our ships to Troy.”

Why did Achilles let Patroclus go out in his own armor? Do you understand Achilles here? What does his attitude seem to be?

Why does the poet address Patroclus directly several times?

2. “So that Hector will see that my comrade
Knows how to fight and win without me.”

The identity of Patroclus seems a fuzzy issue. Achilles seems to think that Hector will know it's not he. (253). In line 255 Apollo says “Get in that chariot and go after Patroclus.” Is it clear who the Trojans think this figure in armor is?

3. Patroclus here enters into his own aristeiae. What elements of his are the same as that of Diomedes, Hector and Agamemnon? What happens to Patroclus, what goes awry? Why?

Does Patroclus win glory and honor? Why or why not?

4. If Zeus is all powerful, why does he let his own son die? What is Hera's reasoning here?

5. What is important about this speech? “Patroclus, the vultures will eat you
On this very spot.”

6. . The language and descriptions in this section are exquisite:

“And his soul, bound for Hades, fluttered out
Resentfully, forsaking manhood's bloom.” (897)

“Astounded, his silvery limbs floating away.“ (845)

“Forgetful of his horsemanship.” (814)

7. The tone changes in Book 16, how would you describe it?

8. What do you think Achilles' role in the death of Patroclus is?