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The Responsibility Of Achilles In The Battle Of Troy

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Prior to the Greek arrival at Troy, Achilles was introduced as a young teenager who was skilled on the lyre and enjoyed his free time with Patroclus. The narrator would frequently refer to Achilles as the aristos achaion but never provided any further information as to the extent of his skills. Patroclus has always been so fond of Achilles’ gentle and compassionate ways which leads one to believe that war may have damaging affects on their relationship. It is not until the Greek ships near the shores of Troy that achilles first kills another man. At this point it is evident that Achilles possess incredible skill in battle, and will be a very important asset to the Greeks during this war. The initial scene of Achilles throwing spears and killing …show more content…

Before the ships even pull onto the shore Achilles has already started killing enemies. he goes about doing so in a stunning manor. Patroclus recounts, “No spearman could throw half so far...It’s black head pierced the bowman’s chest, drove him backwards and over.” (213). In one deft motion Achilles threw a spear from the ships, which were out of range of even the archers on the beach, and killed the first Trojan of the war. Patroclus is surprised by such a sudden act of violence. Yet, it isn’t the attack that bothers him, it is Achilles’ reaction after just killing a man for the first time. Patroclus is surprised to see how calm and content Achilles is after the spear pierced his foe, “Achilles face was still almost peaceful.” (213). It seems as though Patroclus is surprised to see such an indifferent reaction. It is as if Patroclus was expecting Achilles to be horrified and emotionally scarred after killing another man for the first time. This is the first glance of Achilles as a warrior, and it a very different version of Achilles than what Patroclus is used to being around. The next morning Achilles and the Greek army would go out onto the battlefield and the offensive on Troy would officially

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