Log 3

Log 3

2024.9.25_The Song of Archilles_Chapter4-6

Summary:

After Patroclus was exiled to Peleus's kingdom, he was haunted by nightmares and became more notorious after his sin was spread out. One day, during dinner, Achilles tossed him a fig when juggling, which seemed to be an invitation. From that moment on, they became closer. They had meals, played, chatted, and took class together—especially the class only for princes. Most importantly, Patroclus became Achilles's official companion, they called it “Therapon.”

Note:

I decided to dedicate a section at the start of the chapter to briefly record my thoughts on what I’ve read. In Log 2, I interwove the context with my reflections, which I consider too chaotic, so I’m trying this approach instead. Once again, I feel fortunate to have chosen this book. Unlike the short stories I’ve read on AO3 and Wattpad, I can truly appreciate the effort the author has put into crafting the characters’ emotions and carefully selecting the words to describe their appearances and behaviors.

Reflections:

In what I have read, I found that the author uses the writing technique of repetition to evoke the characters' emotions, which may be helpful for my writing.

“Do you want to be—  

“Do you want to be a god?”  

“Achilles.”  

“Do you want to be a god?”  

Achilles was asked by his mother to become a god, which means that he might not be able to live with mortals. However, Achilles and Patroclus had become  best friends. Through Patroclus's repeated words, I sensed his unease behind the comforting questioning. It seems that he hopes to hear Achilles say, “I don’t want to leave” or “I won’t leave.” Besides, these sentences reminded me of my favorite scene in the Pride and Prejudice:

"You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you…"

I can still remember this scene in the movie, how Darcy’s face looked. His eyes seemed to be covered with a layer of water, the tail of his eyebrows dropped slightly, the facial expression was so affectionate that I could feel the weight of his love.

In terms of the plot, it’s clear that Patroclus’s feelings for Achilles had surpassed mere friendship. However, the author didn’t solely focus on their romantic relationship, it also highlighted the protagonist's inner growth. For example, through them getting along with each other day and night, Patroclus was gradually being extricated from the nightmare of killing people that bothered him every night, and he learned to care less about others' opinions, becoming more open with Achilles. 

One part that left a deep impression on me is “I stood, extended a hand for him, and he took it, pulling himself up.” This illustrated Patroclus's transformation from someone who is saved to someone who saves others.