Direct quote about protagonist w/ page number in parenthesis:

"Quickly I became a disappointment: small, slight. I was not fast. I was not strong. I could not sing. The best that could be said of me was that i was not sickly. The cold and cramps that seized my peers left me untouched. This only made my father suspicious. Was I a changeling, inhuman? He scowled at me, watching."(Miller 1)

Context and explanation:

Patroclus is explaining where he comes from. His dad was a king of an ancient Greek kingdom. His mom was simple, a nicer way of saying mentally disabled. Patroclus explains that due to his upbringing he was expected to do great things.

Analysis of quote: Patroclus is describing himself in this quote. This quote of himself shows his nature of low self esteem which is prevalent though the book. Even his own fortune of being un-sickly was bad because it might have meant that he was not human. His father was always careful of him as a precaution. Patroclus and his origins shows how different he is compared to the many great people that he encounters and will later encounter; decedents of gods and hero's from the past. Patroclus was not divine or had that kind of legacy with him. In his eyes, he was nothing but a mortal.

Direct quote about protagonist w/ page number in parenthesis:

My father cleared his throat, loud in the silent chamber. "We would do well to have her in our family. You will go and put yourself forth as a suitor." There was no one else in the hall, so my startled huff of breath was for his ears alone. But i knew better than to speak my discomfort. My father already knew all that i might say: that i was nine unsightly, unpromising, uninterested. (Miller 5-6).

Context and explanation:

Patroclus explains that the king of Sparta, Tyndareus, is looking for suitors for his daughter, Helen. It was known that Helen at the time had remnants of godly blood specifically from Zeus. Helen was seen as a means to gain in the king of Sparta’s lands, which were said to be very ripe and carry good harvest. It would make sense that there would be many suitors to go and try to court Helen.

Analysis of Quote:

Patroclus’s father wants him to go and put himself as a suitor for Helen. Patroclus what happened to the dryer cause I put all the towels to wash because they didn’t knows that his father wants land because his kingdom is already small. Patroclus, however, knows already that he will be rejected. But there is no fighting in his father’s words because whatever he says is the final word. Patroclus still has his low self-esteem because he can predict what his father will say in his rebuttal. The string of insults that he says himself about being unsightly and unpromising are things that he will say about himself, but his father will dismiss since he has the final say.

Direct Quote about supporting character

Achilles nodded and bent over the lyre. I did not have time to wonder about his intervention. His fingers touch the strings, and all my thoughts are displaced. The sound was pure and sweet as water, bright as lemons. It was like no music I had ever heard before. It had warmth as a fire does, but texture and weight like polished ivory. It buried and soothe at once. A few hair slip forward to hang over his eyes as he played. They were fine as liar strings themselves, and shone. He stopped, pushed back his hair, and turned to me. “Now you.” I shook my head, full to spilling. I could not play now. Not ever, if I could listen to him instead. “You play, “I said. Achilles return to his strings, and the music rose again. This time he sang also, weaving his own accompaniment with a clear, rich, treble. His head fell back a little, exposing his throat, supple, and fawn-skin soft (Miller 34-35).

Context and Explanation:

Patroclus was caught skipping out on his duties at his foster home. Achilles caught him in a barn and invited him to his music practice. There he attempted to teach Patroclus how to play the lyre. Although he didn’t know how it was fine since Achilles was teaching him. Achilles is music. Instructor was anger that he had brought an extra, but Achilles defends him, insisting that he stayed for the practice.

Analysis of Quote:

Achilles is a prodigy at everything he does. This quote shows that though it is implied that he has been taught how to play the lyre. Patroclus is still impressed with the dexterity that Achilles has with his hands. The quote describes Achilles in great detail how he plays and what the song sounds and feels like. After he is done, Achilles, then offers the opportunity to play to Patroclus. Although he refuses, and would rather listen to Achilles, this initial act of kindness is something that Patroclus doesn’t receive a lot. He remembers this moment for the rest of the novel, leading to the beginning of their growing relationship.

Direct quote about character w/ page number in parenthesis:

"That day, after we ate, we joined Chiron for his chores. It was easy, pleasurable work: collecting berries, catching fish for dinner, setting quail snares. The beginning of our studies, if it is possible to call them that. For Chiron liked to teach, not in set lessons, but in opportunities" (Miller 82).

Context and explanation:

Patroclus and Achilles arrived at Mount Pelion, Chiron's home and subsequently their home for the next few years of their life. The boys will train with Chiron until they are of age to serve in their military. Patroclus was not invited to join Achilles in his training but snuck away to join him, defying the wishes of Achille's mother. Although lying to Chiron, he allows Patroclus to stay. He and Achilles will learn under his guidance.

Analysis of quote:

This quote describes Chiron as a mentor. Chiron in Greek Mythology is the mentor of the Greek hero's, most notably Hercules. Chiron intends to teach Achilles and Patroclus in everything they ask. He is a hands on mentor, teaching through experience, trial, and error. This is how he intends to mentor the boys until they can become hero's.

Direct quote about Protagonist:

Other than the unsteady surface of the river, there were no mirrors on Mount Pelion, so I could only measure myself by the changes in Achilles. His limbs were slender, but I could see the muscles in them now, rising and falling beneath his skin as he moved. His face too, was firmer, and his shoulders broader than they had been.

"You look older," I said.

He stopped, turned to me. "I do?" "Yes." I nodded. "Do I?"

"Come over here," he said. I stood, walked to him. He regarded me a moment. "Yes," he said.

"How?" I wanted to know. "A lot?"

"Your face is different," he said.

"Where?"

He touched my jaw with his right hand, drew his fingertips along it. "Here. Your face is wider than it once was." I reached up with my own hand. to see if i could feel this difference, but it was all the same to me, bone and skin. He took my hand and brought it down to my collarbone. "You are wider here also," he said. "And this." His finger touched, gently, the soft bulge that had emerged from my throat. I swallowed, and felt his fingertip ride against the motion.

"Where else?" I asked.

He pointed to the trail of fine, dark hair that ran down my chest and over my stomach.

He paused, and my face grew warm.

"That's enough," I said, more abruptly than I meant to ... After some time, he stopped and came to sit beside me. We watched the grass, and the trees, and the nubs of new buds, just growing.

His voice was remote, almost careless. "You would not be displeased, I think. With how you look now"

My face grew warm, again. But we spoke no more of it.(Miller 93-94).

Context and Explanation: Achilles and Patroclus have spent approximately 2 years on Mount Pelion and most of their childhood together. However this is the first time they are alone. Though supervised by Chiron, Patroclus and Achilles spend most of their days together playing, learning, and talking with each other.

Analysis of Quote: Patroclus has feeling for Achilles. It has been said many times that whenever he thinks about romance, Achilles is brought to mind. They have never gone farther than light teasing or very platonic moments. But this is the first, explicitly said, time that both Patroclus and Achilles have a flirty and intimate moment. The mix of admiration for the others body along with physical touch creates moments of high tension. The thought of "the nubs of new buds," implies their more honest and emerging feelings. But also the start of a new journey and life.

Direct quote about Protagonist: Our mouths opened underneath each other, and the warmth of his sweeten throat poured into mine. I could not think, could not do anything, but drink him in, each breath as it came, the soft movement of its lips. It was a miracle.

I was trembling, afraid to put him into flight. I did not know what to do, what he would like. I kissed his neck, the span of his chest, and tasted the salt. He seemed to swell beneath my touch, to ripen. He smelled like almonds on earth. He pressed against me, crushing my lips to wine.

he went still as I took him in my hand, soft as the delicate velvet of petals. I knew Achilles golden skin and the curve of his neck, the crooks of his elbows. I knew how pleasure looked on him. Our bodies cupped each other like hands.

The blankets are twisted around me. He shocked them from us both. The air over my skin was a shock, and I shivered. He was outlined against the painted stars.; Polaris sat on his shoulder. His hand slipped over the quicken rise and followed my bellies breathing. He stroked me gently, asked through smoothing finest cloth, and my hips lifted to his touch. I told them to me, and trembled and trembled. He was trembling, too. He said it as though he had been running far and fast.

I said his name, I think. It blew through me; I was hollow as a read, hung up for the wind to sound. There was no time that passed, but our breaths.

I found his hair between my fingers. There was a gathering inside me, beat up a lot against the movement of his hand. His face was pressed against me, but I tried to clutch him closer still. Do not stop, I said.

He did not stop. The feeling gathered and gathered till a horse cry left for my throat, and the sharp flowering drove me, arching, against him.

It was not enough. My hand reached, found a place of his pleasure. His eyes closed. There was a rhythm he liked, I could feel it, the catch of his breath, the yearning. My fingers ceaseless, following each quickening gap. His eyelids were the color of the dawn sky; he smelled like earth after rain. His mouth opened in an inarticulate cry, and we were pressed so close that I felt the spurt of his warmth against me. He shuttered, and we lay still. (Miller 100-101).

Context and Explanation: Achilles and Patroclus had both turned 16. And during this time, children of Roman Greece would become men at 16. Patroclus explains that a marriage will be arranged for Achilles while he might take a wife. However, he remembers when he was back at the palace, living with all the other orphan boys. They had spoken about intimacy, but the serving maids would always look lifeless. He preferred to not think of it. Besides, he would think of Achilles. The different features on his body, his traits to remember him by, and even the scent that he smelled like.

Analysis of Quote: The entire quote explains Patroclus and Achilles first time with each other. Though nothing truly happened this is the first moment in Patroclus’s life where he feels true intimacy. All his life he has been rejected and had never felt a true connection with a person. But his time with Achilles has shown him that not only can he form connection with people, but he can also form relationships, intimate, and happy relationships. Patroclus is a sympathizer from the moment that he’s introduced he has seen as a timid boy who does not like opposition or violence. Achilles is prophesied to be a great warrior in a sense. They are polar opposites yet they still come together, able to form a bond where they can trust and confide in one another. But this first physically intimate part of their relationship is what seals their bond for the rest of the story.

Direct Quote About Supporting Character: “Father, I do not see a place for Patroclus.” my blush, went even deeper.

“Achilles,” I began in a whisper. It does not matter, I wanted to say. I will sit with the men it is all right. But he ignored me.

“Patroclus is my sworn companion. His place is beside me”

Thetis’ eyes flickered. I could feel the heat in them. I saw the refusal on her lips.

“Very well,” Peleus said. He gestured to a servant and a place was added for me, thankfully at the opposite side of the table from Thetis. (Miller 111).

Context and Explanation: Achilles and Patroclus are summoned back from Mount Pelion by Achilles’s father. There they are going to have a meeting about an upcoming possible war. At this meeting also comes Achilles’s mother Thetis who on numerous occasions, has tried to kill or prevent Patroclus from being with Achilles.

Analysis of quote: Achilles' is defending Patroclus. When he finds out that only three seats have been assigned for him and his parents instead of sitting down immediately, he asks why there is not a fourth chair for Patroclus. Achilles defend him stating that they are sworn companions which in this scenario is supposed to be a reference to soulmates or sworn brothers, however they take it farther and are lovers. The Achilles knows that he will be looked at differently. He does not care and wants to make sure that Patroclus is treated with the same respect as any partner would be. However Thetis also sees this and plans to try something to make them separate.

Direct Quote about Protagonist: Achilles was looking at me. “Your hair never quite lies flat here.” He touched my head, just behind my ear. “I don’t think I’ve ever told you how I like it.”

My scalp prickled where his fingers had been. “You haven’t,” I said.

“I should have.” His hound drifted down to the vee at the base of my throat, jerk softly across the pulse. “What about this? Have I told you what I think of this, just here?”

“No,” I said.

“This sure, then.” His hand move across the muscles of my chest; my skin warmed beneath it. “Have I told you of this?”

“That you have told me.” My breath caught a little as I spoke.

“And one of this?” His handling it over my hips, drew down the line of my thigh. “Have I spoken of it?”

“You have.”

“And this? Surely, I would not have forgotten this.” His cats smile. “Tell me I did not.”

“You did not.”

“There is this, too.” His hand was ceaseless now. “I know I have told you of this.”

I close my eyes. “Tell me again,“ I said.

Context and Explanation: Achilles and Patroclus have been taken on to the ship of Odysseus where they would be guided back to Pythia. The crew of Odysseus’s ship met and discussed the possibilities of war in the future. Afterword Achilles and Patroclus are left to be.

Analysis of quote: Achilles and Patroclus have finally gotten some alone time ever since boarding the ship of a Odysseus. They speak of the possibilities of the future and the crew that they may sail with. After they talk about their discrepancies, the conversation shifts to flirting. Though they are young to modern times Achilles and Patroclus are considered men and like any couple flirt very extravagantly when they’re alone. The sequence in which Achilles is admiring Patroclus and his features is one of the mini small moments that Patroclus wants to remember. At this point in the story, he knows that one of them is going to die since it is prophesied. Achilles many times says that the prophecy will not come true as an attempt to sway himself from the possible reality. Patroclus is more realistic and decides to instead save the moments that he has with Achilles thinking that he will miss it when ever one of them passes on.

Direct Quote about Supporting Character: afterwards, we lay breathless, side-by-side, but not touching. Her face was shadowed and distant, her posture strangely stiff. My mind was still muddied from climax, but I reached to hold her. I could offer her this, at least.

But she drew away from me and stood, her eyes wary; the skin beneath them was dark as bruises. She turned to dress and her round heart-shaped butts stared at me like a reproach. I did not understand what she had wanted.; I only knew I had not given it. I’d stood and pulled on my tunic. I would’ve touched her, struck her face, but her eyes warned me away, sharp and full. She held open the door. Hopelessly I stepped over the threshold.

“Wait.” Her voice sounded raw. I turned. “Tell him goodbye,” she said. And then close the door, dark and thick between us. (Miller 148-149).

Context and Explanation:. Achilles was hidden away by his mother Thetis. She planned to hide them out for the entirety of the upcoming Trojan war she hid him on the island of Scyros. There he would hide among the foster children of King Lycomedes. Among the king was his daughter Deidameia, a princess who, by the power of Achilles’s mother as a goddess, married the two in an attempt to sever his bond with Patroclus. When Patroclus comes to look for Achilles and finds that he is married, he is not angered but instead wants to know why. Achilles explains that his mother said that she would tell Patroclus where Achilles was if he laid with the princess and married her. He informed Achilles that it was a lie and searched for him himself. This quote takes place near the end before they leave the island.

Analysis of quote: The princess Deidameia is a spoiled child. Went first introduced she is shown to have a superiority complex over her subjects. When she first meets Patroclus she states that he should not ask for a favor from her father, but from her herself. This hubris of her is a result due to her upbringing where she is the crown jewel of the island. Regarded as the most beautiful woman in the dancers group that she is in, properly named Deidameia’s women. Later after Achilles and Patroclus reunite, she throws a public tantrum in front of the guests at their party. She cries and screams at Achilles, knowing that he has already taken away from her. In a desperate attempt, she exclaimed that she is married and pregnant with Achilles‘s child. As a result, this forces, Achilles to stay on the island until the child is born. Over the course of Achilles and Patroclus stay at the island she remains distant only ever wanted to talk to Achilles still under the delusion that they are married. One night she summons Patroclus to her chambers and they lay with each other. During this intimate moment, we find out that Deidameia is also lonely like Patroclus. She also craves, intimacy and relationships with people. That is the reason she threw such a tantrum when Achilles threatened to leave her because it would’ve shown that Achilles was no better than any other man who had Lane and abandoned her. So in a desperate attempt, she tries to find connection with Patroclus. She takes pride, knowing that she can make him feel good. She takes pride, knowing that Achilles cannot make him feel the same way she can, but when they are finished Patroclus sees the truth about her. The princess is in fact, weary and terrified of relationships. Even when Patroclus tries to reach out and comfort her afterwards as a sign of caring for her, she retreats. He doesn’t know what she wanted, but through the readers perspective it is clear that she wants a relationship to stay with someone. She doesn’t want to have short moments of happiness, but rather long ones where people can spend time, Care, and be truthful with. But knowing that she cannot find this in the men around her she leaves. She goes with her aunt where she will deliver her child, alone with no one, but midwives who can do nothing but attempt to comfort her.

Direct Quote about Protagonist: “he is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature.”

The word drove breath from me, left me stuttering. “He is not”

“But he is. The best the gods ever made. And it is time he knew it, and you did too. If you hear nothing else, I say, hear that I do not say it in malice.” (Miller 207).

Context and Explanation: Patroclus and Odysseus are talking about Achilles’s nature. Patroclus knows how Achilles truly is. He’s a kind and caring person to see. Odysseus only sees the man in the prophecy, though he knows people have many sides. Odysseus knows that in the upcoming war, Achilles must become a weapon.

Analysis of Quote: The quote “You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change his nature,” is one of the more famous quotes of Madeleine Miller. Though it is one of truth. You can mold a weapon or a tool to do something else, but it will always have its original intended purpose. Odysseus explains that it is his fate to become a great weapon and nothing more. Patroclus tries to revolt, but Odysseus knows the truth. Patroclus concede and agrees with him however, he knows that Odysseus is wrong.