The Fate Of Patroclus

Title	The Fate Of Patroclus
# of Words	1077
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	4.31

                         The Fate Of Patroclus
     Throughout The Iliad Of Homer, the constant theme of death is inherently apparent.  Each main character, either by a spear or merely a scratch from an arrow, was wounded or killed during the progression of the story.  For Zeus' son, Sarpedon, it was a spear through the heart, and for Hector, it was the bronze of the mighty Achilles through his neck which caused his early demise.  It seems that no one could escape an agonizing fate.  Of these deaths, the most interesting and intriguing death of all is that of Achilles' dear friend Patroclus.  Although his life was taken by the mighty Hector's spear,  who was truly liable for his death?  Could it have been Zeus or Hector or the mighty Achilles to blame for this horrible death?  The intricate story line of The Iliad makes many possible answers available, but only one possibility  accurately explains the actions and events that led to this gruesome episode. The only person to blame for the death of mighty Patrocles was himself.
First of all, Patrocles was responsible for his own death because he requested his insertion into the battle, fully knowing that the Achaeans were being unmercifully defeated.  In Book XVI , Patroclus said,           " Send me forth now at the head of the Myrmidon host
               That I may be a light of hope to the Danaans.
               And let me strap on my shoulders that armor of yours
               That the zealous Trojans take me for you and quickly
               Withdraw from the fighting."
Because Achilles refused to help the Achaeans battle the Trojans, a discontented Patroclus took the matter into his own hands by requesting activation into battle disguised as Achilles in the hope of sending the Trojans into a full retreat from the sight of him.  It is apparent that Patroclus was willing to fight although the odds were greatly against him.  His vehemence towards the Trojans coupled with his disappointment of Achilles gave him the drive to conquer the Trojan army with or without the aid of Achilles.  In doing so, Patroclus took an enormous risk that the Trojans would fall for his trick, a risk with his life as the stakes.  Essentially, while pleading to Achilles for battle, it was his own dark death for which he plead.
     Next, because Patroclus ignored Achilles' warnings before battle, the blame for his death can only be placed upon himself.  In Book XVI, Achilles said,
          " Do not, I tell you, get carried away
               In the heat of conflict and slaughter and so lead the men
               Toward the city.  For one of the gods everlasting may decide
               To descend from Olympus and fight against you - Apollo,
               For instance, who works from afar and dearly loves
               All Trojans.  Come back, then, when once you have saved the
               Vessels, and let others go fighting across the plain."
In explanation, Achilles was saying that he wanted Patroclus to lead the Myrmidons in an attack against the Trojans to drive them away from the ships.  Once that was done, he wanted Patroclus and the army to return because imminent death surrounded Troy, antagonized by Zeus and Apollo.  However, Patroclus did not heed this warning.  After going into battle and sending the Trojans into a full retreat, Patroclus was overcome with fury over his slain comrade, Epeigeu...

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