Patroclus Death: Responsibility
Patroclus Death: Responsibility
In The Iliad, Homer presents the reader with a complex situation regarding who should receive blame for the death of Patroclus. Achilles appears the likely culprit because he allowed his good friend to wear the armor knowing the danger this ruse could bring on the battlefield. In contrast to the person presented to the reader as fully responsible for his demise, Patroclus carries much of the fault as well. Both Achilles and Patroclus hold equal culpability for the end of Patroclus’ death, mainly resulting from the great pride each man holds more dearly than friendship in the moment of battle.
Patroclus main liability lies in his hubris when he approaches Achilles regarding the use of his armor. His original presentment of himself to Achilles was much like that of a baby throwing a tantrum. He yearns to have the glory of his good friend on the battlefield and hopes that he can achieve this honor by wearing Achilles’ shining armor. “…let me go at least…put your armour upon my shoulders, and perhaps the Trojans may think it is you…and it will be easy for us…to drive weary men from our camp away to their city.” (Page 188) This excerpt from Patroclus’ foolish prayer for Achilles’ shield shows the reader that Patroclus believes that with the armor upon his shoulders he may easily be as great as Achilles’ in battle. His pride led him to beg his friend for the special privilege, eventually goading him into relinquishing the prized shield. Achilles mentions to Patroclus that he is “crying like a baby”, allowing the reader to see that even Patroclus’ best friend can sense his hubris. Although Achilles warns his best friend of the dangers in parading himself as someone with super-human strength, Patroclus “lost no time” (page 190) in putting on the magnificent armor.
Achilles, although not completely responsible for the death of his friend, also holds liability in Patroclus’ death. Despite his warnings of what hazard the armor could bring, he thinks selfishly of himself and allows Patroclus to wear the protective furnishing. At first Achilles says, “Hector’s words of command are breaking upon me all around, his Trojans…vanquish the Achaians in fair fight!” He follows this alarming statement by telling his friend, “Never mind—fall on them and beat them, Patroclus!” After he has thought...