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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 young it will be easy for us 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, Hectors words of command are breaking upon me all around, his Trojansvanquish the Achaian's 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 about what may happen, Achilles is quick to allow his friend to bear the danger associated with wearing his armor onto the field of battle. Achilles desire for glory blinds him into releasing his responsibility to his dear comrade: you may win honour and glory for me from the whole nation, and they may send back that lovely girl and gifts besides. (Page 189) Achilles knows that Patroclus pride is fervent, which keeps him from fully contemplating the consequences of what he wants to do.
You might be some little girl running to her mother thats what you look like, my dear man, crying like that. (Page 187) Achilles knows that his companion is in no state to truly focus on the warnings presented before him, yet arrogantly allows the exchange of armor to take place. The danger in Patroclus wearing of Achilles armor lies in the fact that others on the battlefield will think he is his phenomenally strong friend. Other Achaians warriors may push Patroclus in front of them to fight thinking that he has the superhuman power of Achilles and will not receive a wound. The danger in this situation is that while Patroclus does in fact wear Achilles great armor, he has no where near the strength of Achilles given to him when he was dipped in the River Styx as a baby.
Patroclus may fight skillfully and valiantly, but he cannot possibly live up to the standard placed upon him by those who assume he is Achilles. In addition, Hector is a great warrior and the Trojan military is pressing upon the Achaian's. Believing that Patroclus is Achilles, men will try fiercely to kill him because Achilles is the strongest warrior of the Achaian's and to bring his downfall is to win the battle. Because Patroclus pride in wearing Achilles armor is so great, he may try to fight as though he is his superhuman friend, setting himself up to lose his own life. Patroclus hubris blinds his good judgment, and as a result hinders his capability to reason clearly and fight to his full potential. Homer provides Patroclus death as the climax of The Iliad, allowing Achilles fury to present itself in another mode.
Achilles pleads to his father Zeus to send victory with him that he may come back unscathed hoping to receive the honor of battle and his friends safe return. (Page 192) Though Zeus does not promise Patroclus victory, he grants half of Achilles prayer and drives the battle away from the Achaians ships. When Patroclus first entered the battlefield, everyone believed he was Achilles and every man looked about him for some escape of certain death. (Page 192) Patroclus battles so intensely in his initial entrance to the war because of his greater pride brought on by wearing Achilles armor. His false sense of protection given to him by Achilles leads him to slaughter many Trojans and strengthens his psychological bravery. Patroclus is driven in battle by Achilles selfish words, Dont come back to me, my brave Patroclus, until you have stript the blood-stained shirt from Hectors body! His loyalty to Achilles keeps Patroclus fighting fiercely, making it difficult for even Hector to defeat him. (Page 202) Zeus delays Hectors attack upon Patroclus by reducing Hectors bravery. Zeus brings Patroclus safety when the first two Trojan spears fall upon him and then takes Achilles armor from him because it is not Gods will that this plumed helmet should be fouled in the dust (Page 201) Hector is only able to inflict the final blow upon Patroclus, causing his death, because Zeus and Apollo had stripped him of his armor, thus reducing Hectors glory in killing Patroclus.
Homers evident placement of the constant struggle between Achilles and Patroclus for blame in Patroclus tragic death ends in their equal responsibility, as a result of similar senses of surplus pride. Hector feels this same arrogance after murdering Patroclus, although he receives the assistance of two gods before he is able to complete this simple task. It is ironic that Achilles, Patroclus and Hector are all responsible for Patroclus death, yet they each have separate motives behind their actions. All three characters are blinded by their excess self-importance, leading them to believe that they are more glorious than reality allows.
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Research essay sample on Wearing Achilles Armor Achilles And Patroclus Friend
