The Song of Achilles

Patroclus’s only solace is during meals, which also happens to be when Achilles mixes with the foster boys. His beauty and lack of self-consciousness provoke envy in Patroclus. One evening, Achilles sits closer to Patroclus than usual. They make eye contact, and the anger Patroclus feels is “the only moment in my day that I felt anything at all” (26). Four weeks into Patroclus’s exile, Achilles sits at his table. Grabbing figs from a bowl, Achilles begins to juggle them, then throws one to Patroclus, saying, “Catch” (27). Watching Achilles eat the fig, Patroclus bites into his own. Achilles leaves the table without looking back.

The following day, Peleus returns to the palace and calls Patroclus to the throne room. Patroclus introduces himself by his first name only, a reminder of his dependence on Peleus’s kindness. Peleus reminds Patroclus that his exile resulted from his act of murder but tells him that he can still become “a good man” (28). After Patroclus’s audience with Peleus, the other foster boys learn why he was exiled. They regard him with fascination but keep their distance, fearful of catching his bad luck and attracting the attention of the Erinyes.