Patroclus
PatroclusA Different Kind of Warrior
Though he only appears in the Iliad for a short period of time, Patroclus and his death are of pivotal importance. Certainly he is one of the noblest characters the reader has seen in the Iliad, but, Patroclus appears to be a different kind of warrior. He is less tainted by pride. The person of Patroclus is best seen in the end of book 11 as well as book 16. His compassion was established earlier, when he puts aside his embassy to Achilles, to attend to the wounds of a friend. “He put his arm around Eurypylus’ chest/ And helped him to his hut” (11.882-883). The audience can see his compassion again in the beginning of this book 16, when a weeping Patroclus begs Achilles to do something to help their dying friends. He comes humbly, begging for his return to battle. He accuses Achilles of being something heartless and impersonal. Patroclus’, in a fit says, “God forbid I ever feel the spite/ You nurse in your heart. You and your damned/ Honor! What good will it do future generations/ If you let is go down to this defeat/ In cold blood?” (16.33-37). It is easily conveyed that Patroclus’ compassion, and lack of pride,...
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