June 6, 2021
By Adriana Rodriguez
Staff Writer
This article is part of The Lighthouse’s four-part Pride Month in-depth reporting series.
The screams of angered soldiers surround the armored hero. With a spear in one hand and his lover’s in the other, he drowns out the voices of his army. He focuses on the man beside him, remembering their past interactions. Surging with power, Achilles readies his spear and begins the war.
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller follows the relationship of a mighty Greek hero and an exiled prince. In the novel, Patroclus, son of Menoetius, is erased of his title. After killing a wealthy merchant’s son, he is exiled from his father’s kingdom. Patroclus is forced to live with King Peleus and his prophesized son Achilles.
This novel references numerous Greek heroes and kings as it dives into Greek mythology and the belief in the Greek gods. It is a young adult historical fiction novel that is an adaptation of Homer’s “Iliad” that is told from the perspective of Patroclus.
While LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination today, these two Greek figures show that it is possible to live in a society that does not discriminate based on sexual orientation.
Throughout “The Song of Achilles,” readers observe the growth of Achilles and Patroclus’s relationship. They are titled as being each other’s “closest companion.” After they start living together, they develop a deeper understanding of one another and recognize more of the other’s flaws.
Readers are confronted with multiple conflicts and intense scenes throughout the novel. Achilles’ mother, Thetis, a goddess who despises mortals, disapproves of Achilles’ relationship with Patroclus and takes every opportunity to separate them. Both are then faced with the Trojan War where Achilles is forced to choose between glory and love.
Known for her vivid descriptions, Miller describes the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus with eloquence. With captivating transitions between scenes, readers see them grow into fine young men ready to conquer the enemy. There are twists, betrayals and nail-biting conflicts that make the reader hope for an uplifting ending.
Achilles and Patroclus’s relationship blossoms into a romantic one during their time training with the centaur Chiron. Patroclus demonstrates both endearment and devotion towards Achilles. Bewitched by each other’s beauty and strength, they swear to be with one another forever.
Throughout the novel, all of the characters support Achilles and Patroclus’ romantic relationship, and the only discrimination they receive is based on their status. While Achilles is fated to be “the best of all the Greeks,” Patroclus is known as the exiled prince with no value or title.
Pride Month is the perfect time to read this novel because it highlights an LGBTQ+ relationship that is filled with hope and joy rather than sorrow and fear. While LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination today, these two Greek figures show that it is possible to live in a society that does not discriminate based on sexual orientation.
In “The Song of Achilles,” Miller presents an emotionally driven love story through the eyes of Patroclus, but it is the connection he forges with Achilles that allows readers to become attached and invested. Riveting, heartbreaking, exciting and inspiring, “The Song of Achilles” is the perfect book with which to kick off your summer.
