Spoiler Thread: Song of Achilles

[Paul]

Nearly completly forgot about a spoiler thread.
Now its open I'm curious as to what people thought of the unusual ending with Patrocles as a spirit.

[Trelawn]

Loved it, it could have been horrendous but it was done well. Plus, in ancient Greece a soul (for want of a better word) couldn't travel to the underworld without proper burial rites and memorialisation. Patroclus wasn't able to rest until his name was carved on the stone and it meant he could continue narrating the story which just added pathos to what was already a gut renching ending. It was fitting that Thetis was the one to carve Patroclus' name; she finally honoured Achilles' wishes.

[Susan]

I did not know that, Trelawn. That explains a lot to me. I was just so turned off by the decomposing corpse in the tent. Quite a love story.

[Trelawn]

Yeah the Greeks, along with most other civilisations had a complicated and elaborate set of rituals surrounding the dead. For instance, even though Achilles killed Hector to avenge Patroclus it was expected that he would hand Hector's body over to Priam for burial. The fact that he dragged Hector's body back to the Greek camp behind his chariot and refused to hand it back to his family would have been seen as shocking. It was not the done thing. You showed respect to the dead, even if they were your enemy. Everyone deserves funeral rites. There was even days set aside where fighting would stop so that bodies could be collected and funeral rites carried out.

[Paul]

I do remember Antigone by Sophocles had a lot about burial rites in it and how and when respect should be shown

[Trelawn]

Well Miller has taught Classics for ten years or more so she has a deep knowledge of the texts and the civilisations involved

[Susan]

Trelawn, thanks for the interesting information. I really appreciate how much you are adding to understanding the book. Imagine a day off fighting to care for the dead.

[Trelawn]

My pleasure Susan :-) I really did love this book.

[Susan]

Me too. I am glad Sara gave it another chance for us. Really great read.

[Margo]

Another great read that I read prior to joining the group. Just reminding myself why I chose to join this group!

[Trelawn]

This was one of my favourite books last year. And Paul bought me the most beautiful edition too.

[Paul]

The book is dipped in gold with gold thread and is signed with golden Ink . Its pretty ;-)

[Trelawn]

I am a classicist and still this book sat on my shelf for well over a year before I picked it up but I am delighted I did finally read it.

[Margo]

I have to say this is another of my all-time favourites. The group surely had a great run of books at the end of last of last year. It really is what convinced to join. Who nominated this one?

Trelawn that sounds so beautiful. I think he's a keeper ;-)

[Paul]

Possibly Sara , I remember nominating it but not being selected before that.

[Margo]

Great call Sara :-)