Patroclus And Achilles Research Paper

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Achilles and Patroclus were friends during the Illiad during the time of the Trojan War. They fought together and were inseparable friends and comrades. The myth of Achilles and Patroclus says that Achilles is prophesied to die either an unimportant man or a young hero. Thus, leading Achilles to Troy under king and leader of the Greek army Agamemnon. Patroclus traveled to Troy to help the Greeks get Helen back from the Trojan, Paris. The myth states that Achilles was callous to others but kind to Patroclus. Achilles and Patroclus are assumed to be lovers that would die for each other. Patroclus dies because Achilles did not want to fight the Trojans under Agamemnon, and he is slain by Hector, prince of Troy. Achilles immediately sought revenge, thinking blindly like a lover would. …show more content…

Achilles was a hard and cold man, treating others sternly. However with Patroclus, he was kind and soft and treated him like they have known each other for centuries. When Achilles heard of Patroclus’s death, he sought revenge immediately. An argument historians make is that the relationship was pederasty. A young man learning the ways of a grown an throw sexual intercourse and teachings. On one hand, there is some evidence of this, with Patroclus being a younger comrade of Achilles. But on the other, if the teachings were purely sexual and non romantic, why would Achilles seek revenge so quickly? And why did Patroclus take Achilles place while wearing his armor? If Achilles were purely his teacher, he would not have reacted in such a paramount manner. Thus providing proof that Achilles and Patroclus were lovers, and not in a pederasty

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