The Song of Achilles: An Epic of Empathy by Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles: An Epic of Empathy by Madeline Miller

Madeline Miller's *The Song of Achilles* explores the profound themes of love, empathy, and the human condition through the lens of Patroclus and Achilles. The novel reimagines the events of *The Iliad*, focusing on the intimate relationship between the two characters amidst the backdrop of war and societal expectations. Through Patroclus' perspective, readers witness the struggles of marginalized individuals, such as Briseis, and the complexities of love in a homophobic society. This narrative challenges readers to reflect on their own capacity for empathy and understanding. Aimed at fans of literary fiction and those interested in LGBTQ+ themes, this work invites deep emotional engagement and introspection.

Key Points

  • Explores the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles, emphasizing themes of love and empathy.
  • Highlights the character of Briseis, showcasing her humanity and resilience against societal marginalization.
  • Examines the impact of warfare on personal relationships and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
  • Addresses LGBTQ+ themes and challenges societal norms regarding love and identity.
  • Encourages readers to reflect on their own empathy and relationships through the lens of the characters' experiences.
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  • Matthew Chow
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The Song of Achilles: An Epic of Empathy
By Panayiota “Nayia” Siderakis
April 2022
Abstract
In The Song of Achilles, novelist Madeline Miller seeks to instill a wellspring of empathy within
her readers. She achieves this by empowering her audience to engage with an array of characters from
the rst-person narrative perspective of a profoundly empathetic young man named Patroclus.
Through Patroclus’ eyes, readers bear witness to an assortment of relationships characterized by
diering levels of empathy. His interactions with the enslaved Briseis, for example, illuminate her
humanity despite the societal marginalization that she endures. Furthermore, Patroclus’ relationship
with Achilles elucidates the empathy prevalent in their ill-fated romance in spite of societal
homophobia, warfare, and death. Lastly, the parental relationships that exist in the lives of Patroclus
and Achilles also reect varying levels of empathy as evident through these characters’ respective
interactions with Menoitius and Thetis. Overall, Miller’s character renderings and relationships
ultimately challenge her audience to gauge the extent to which they exhibit empathy in their own lives.
Background on The Literature-Empathy Connection
Fiction can allow readers to feel characters’ emotions as if they were their own in a process of
empathy cultivation. Empathy is dened as an understanding and awareness of the feelings, thoughts,
and experiences of others (Merriam-Webster). Fictional stories, including Madeline Miller’s The Song of
Achilles, require readers to understand the multiple perspectives of diering characters. People who
read such ction are therefore likely to have highly-developed faculties of empathy (Zunshine). Literary
works like Miller’s novel can thereby “...provide detailed moment-by-moment descriptions of the inner
thoughts and feelings of its protagonists, thereby providing rich opportunities for readers to
experience…empathy” (Lodge).
Through the novel’s emotive and intricate character relationships described in this paper,
Miller captivates her readers on a profound level. Numerous studies show that such immersive literary
works empower readers to gain “...higher levels of emotions that have been associated with…empathy,
such as warmth, compassion and sympathy” (Stanseld and Bruce). This nding suggests that if
individuals are able to infer ctional characters’ mental states as a result of literary engagement, then
they may also be better equipped to empathize with people in real-world settings from a foundation of
kindness. Studies have also found that empathy shown towards ctional characters can directly
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4096999
translate to empathy exhibited on behalf of real human experiences and feelings. Indeed, there is a
positive relationship between the level of empathy garnered from a literary text and readers’
“...performance in a subsequent ‘real-world’ helping task” (Stanseld and Bunce). From this lens,
Miller’s work can galvinize her readers to ultimately embody her message of empathy within the fabric
of their lives.
Patroclus
Miller depicts Patroclus as a paradigm of empathy. This is partly because of his deep sensitivity
to others’ experiences and willingness to act for their benet. Patroclus “...would rather hide in the
Greek camp healing the wounded, maintaining their glory, than attempting to gain glory for himself”
(Laerty). By designing the narrative from Patroclus’ point of view, Miller places empathy at the heart
of her literary work. This is a striking contrast to The Iliad, which centered around Achilles and his
militaristic feats. In The Iliad, Patroclus is hardly present. Although he had a gentle heart, this attribute
was typically not characteristic of prominent male characters in classical works. As Miller stated, such
protagonists were generally “...the strong-men, the clever diplomats, the unbending leaders…” (Otero
6). In contrast, Patroclus is a moral compass who prioritizes compassion “...when all the other male
characters are being guided by their eagerness of power and glory” (Otero 32). He is clearly not a
warrior and instead tries to tend to the needs of underserved prisoners of war in Achilles’ camp. In
alignment with his personality, Patroclus also perceives Achilles through empathetic eyes of
compassion. “He focuses less on Achilles’ wrath and more on his beautiful qualities – his singing and
his lyre playing, his grace. The rst-person narrative puts us in Patroclus’ head, and so he does not
emphasize his own qualities – his kindness, his empathy – but we recognize them” (Lloyd).
By privileging Patroclus’ perspective, Miller engages in minor-character elaboration. This is a
literary technique in which a minor character from a canonical text becomes the protagonist of a new
text. This choice allows Miller to enter “...the story from its margins…” (Struzziero 135). In so doing,
she builds empathy in her audience for those who are marginalized by prioritizing their
underrepresented perspectives. From the textual position of Patroclus, Miller can voice this character’s
most compassionate feelings and grant them a position of prominence in her literary work. Through
Patroclus’ eyes, she can thereby “...take a critical stance on the power dynamics between characters and
the ongoing struggle for dominance based on a strategy of aggressive arrogation of roles” (Struzziero
135).
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4096999
Patroclus and Briseis
One way in which Miller seeks to engender a sense of empathy in her readers is through her
description of the relationship between Patroclus and Briseis. By way of background, Briseis is a widow
who was captured by Achilles. In turn, she is treated as a slave and war prisoner who is a victim of
Achilles’ whims. Interestingly, in The Iliad, Briseis is never referred to by her name. Instead, she is
merely called the “daughter of Brises.” Furthermore, she appears on scant occasions that emphasize her
enslavement. This accords with the common occurrence that, “[i]n The Iliad, women function
as…property” (Leidich 4). The only time Briseis is actually given a voice is when she speaks sorrowfully
about Patroclus’ death.
Yet Miller imbues Briseis with a far more profound sense of personhood than that aorded her in
The Iliad. Honoring Briseis’ humanity is a foundational step in Miller’s eorts to cultivate empathy for
this character. Miller begins this process by revealing to her readers Briseis’ deeply personal backstory.
Readers bear witness to this young woman who commences her imprisonment without any knowledge
of her captors’ language. She also lacks any sense of social standing due to her status as a war prisoner.
Despite these setbacks, Briseis is able to draw upon her inner resilience to transform from timidity to
erce courageousness. She proactively learns the language of her conquerors in order to voice the evils
of warfare that she experiences – despite the fact that this course of action can jeopardize her life. In
fact, Briseis’ profound strength and insistence on her personhood empowers her to confront Phyrrus,
who threatens to sexually assault her. Although she was unsuccessful at killing him before he could
commit this heinous crime, she manages to escape by jumping into the sea and meets her demise. At
the sight of this innocent woman’s drowned body, Miller instills empathy in her readers because
“...[h]er nal gesture is the only alternative she is left with to take the narrative of her life in her own
hands and assert her personal freedom. With her nal refusal to see her body appropriated and
brutalized, helpless to defend herself, she subverts the rape script waiting for her – for any woman –
taken prisoner” (Struzziero 147).
Prior to Briseis’ death, Miller forges a sense of empathy with her readers through her rendering of
the relationship between Patroclus and Briseis. In the process of constructing their friendship, Miller
leverages the few lines that Briseis is aorded in The Iliad when lamenting Patroclus’ death: “Patroclus
- dearest joy of my heart, my harrowed, broken heart” (Homer 19.338-339), and “So now I mourn
your death…you were always kind” (Homer 19.355-356). Miller builds upon these lines to convey
Patroclus’ compassionate nature towards the captured Briseis. “[Miller] reinvents Briseis’ position and
role, and makes her fully visible by adopting the sympathetic and close power of observation of
Patroclus. He proves to be a precious ally for a vulnerable woman who has no protection, and is lonely,
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4096999
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FAQs of The Song of Achilles: An Epic of Empathy by Madeline Miller

What is the main theme of The Song of Achilles?
The main theme of *The Song of Achilles* is the exploration of love and empathy, particularly through the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles. The novel delves into how their bond transcends societal expectations and norms, especially in the context of a homophobic society. It also examines the impact of war on personal relationships, highlighting the emotional struggles faced by the characters as they navigate their feelings amidst the backdrop of conflict. Miller's narrative invites readers to reflect on their own capacity for empathy and understanding in their lives.
How does Madeline Miller portray Briseis in the novel?
In *The Song of Achilles*, Briseis is portrayed as a complex character who embodies resilience and humanity despite her status as a war captive. Unlike her depiction in *The Iliad*, where she is largely voiceless, Miller gives Briseis a rich backstory and agency, allowing her to confront her circumstances with courage. Her relationship with Patroclus highlights the theme of empathy, as he recognizes her suffering and acts to protect her. Through Briseis, Miller challenges readers to consider the experiences of marginalized individuals and the importance of acknowledging their humanity.
What role does warfare play in the story?
Warfare serves as a critical backdrop in *The Song of Achilles*, influencing the characters' relationships and moral choices. The novel contrasts the glorification of war with its devastating effects on individuals and families. Patroclus, in particular, grapples with the horrors of battle and the emotional toll it takes on him and those around him. Miller uses this theme to critique traditional notions of heroism and glory, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of violence. This exploration of warfare invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of conflict in their own lives.
How does the novel address LGBTQ+ themes?
Miller's *The Song of Achilles* addresses LGBTQ+ themes by presenting the intimate relationship between Patroclus and Achilles in a nuanced and respectful manner. The novel challenges societal norms regarding love and identity, portraying their bond as a source of strength and emotional depth. By focusing on their love story, Miller confronts the stigma and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, making a powerful statement about the universality of love. This representation encourages readers to empathize with the characters' struggles and to reflect on the importance of acceptance and understanding in contemporary society.
What is the significance of Patroclus' perspective in the narrative?
Patroclus' perspective is significant in *The Song of Achilles* as it serves as the lens through which the story unfolds, emphasizing themes of empathy and compassion. By narrating the events from his point of view, Miller allows readers to engage deeply with his emotions and experiences, fostering a strong connection to his character. This perspective also highlights the complexities of his relationship with Achilles, showcasing the depth of their bond amidst societal pressures. Through Patroclus, Miller invites readers to reflect on their own capacity for empathy and the importance of understanding others' experiences.

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