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Definition of Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the story. Foreshadowing can be achieved directly or indirectly, by making... read full definition
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the story. Foreshadowing can be achieved... read full definition
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which authors hint at plot developments that don't actually occur until later in the... read full definition
Chapter 24
Explanation and Analysis—Patroclus' Death:
Given the fact that Achilles's death is the prophesied one, it is deeply ironic that Patroclus should die first and that Achilles should die seeking vengeance. This turn of events is foreshadowed by Thetis, who provides an obscure look towards the future in Chapter 24:
What could make a goddess pause was terrifying indeed.
“A prophecy,” she said. “That the best of the Myrmidons will die before two more years have passed.”
Achilles’ face was still; utterly still. “We have known it was coming,” he said.
A curt shake of her head. “No. The prophecy says you will still be alive when it happens.”
The "best of the Myrmidons" is, in fact, Patroclus. Patroclus, among all those fighting to free Helen—among all the Myrmidons, including Achilles himself—is the lone person to maintain his strong moral code and honor. It is Patroclus who speaks the truth to Achilles when the mythic warrior discredits himself with dishonorable behavior.
Briseis inadvertently reveals that it is Patroclus, not Achilles, who is the best of the Myrmidons. This truth comes to light in the following discussion between Patroclus and Briseis in Chapter 28:
“Be careful tomorrow,” she says. “Best of men. Best of the Myrmidons.” She places her fingers to my lips, stopping my objection. “It is truth,” she says. “Let it stand, for once.”
While Patroclus may not be the best fighter among the Myrmidons, he is the most morally upright. Briseis recognizes this; sadly, she is right—Patroclus dies soon after their conversation.
Related Themes:
Chapter 28
Explanation and Analysis—Patroclus' Death:
Given the fact that Achilles's death is the prophesied one, it is deeply ironic that Patroclus should die first and that Achilles should die seeking vengeance. This turn of events is foreshadowed by Thetis, who provides an obscure look towards the future in Chapter 24:
What could make a goddess pause was terrifying indeed.
“A prophecy,” she said. “That the best of the Myrmidons will die before two more years have passed.”
Achilles’ face was still; utterly still. “We have known it was coming,” he said.
A curt shake of her head. “No. The prophecy says you will still be alive when it happens.”
The "best of the Myrmidons" is, in fact, Patroclus. Patroclus, among all those fighting to free Helen—among all the Myrmidons, including Achilles himself—is the lone person to maintain his strong moral code and honor. It is Patroclus who speaks the truth to Achilles when the mythic warrior discredits himself with dishonorable behavior.
Briseis inadvertently reveals that it is Patroclus, not Achilles, who is the best of the Myrmidons. This truth comes to light in the following discussion between Patroclus and Briseis in Chapter 28:
“Be careful tomorrow,” she says. “Best of men. Best of the Myrmidons.” She places her fingers to my lips, stopping my objection. “It is truth,” she says. “Let it stand, for once.”
While Patroclus may not be the best fighter among the Myrmidons, he is the most morally upright. Briseis recognizes this; sadly, she is right—Patroclus dies soon after their conversation.
Related Themes:
