Discussion Topic
Analysis of Miller's The Song of Achilles in relation to its strengths, weaknesses, and incorporation of original myth parallels
Summary:
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is praised for its emotional depth, character development, and faithful incorporation of mythological elements. However, some critics point out weaknesses such as pacing issues and occasional anachronisms. Overall, the novel successfully parallels the original myth while providing a fresh perspective through its focus on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Miller's The Song of Achilles compared to the original myth?
Perhaps the greatest weakness of the story of Achilles as told by Homer in the Iliad is that the hero is so unlikeable. Achilles spends much of the Iliad sulking over the treatment he has received from Agamemnon, an equally unpleasant character, and it is difficult for the reader to care about what appears little more than a childish quarrel.
Madeline Miller's retelling of the myth in The Song of Achilles does much to remedy this weakness. Achilles is seen through the eyes of Patroclus, a man who loves him and to whom he has behaved generously. Miller's Achilles is more human and humane than Homer's.
The greatest weaknesses in Miller's version are the way in which the wealth of detail detracts from the grand tragic vision of the Iliad and that the love story to some extent obscures the military epic. The story also loses Homer's famous balance between...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
the Greek and Trojan sides, since the focus is entirely on Achilles, rather than on the arguably more heroic figure of Hector.
Does Miller effectively incorporate original myth parallels in The Song of Achilles?
In The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller uses ancient mythology as a guide for her novel but makes several creative departures from the traditional story. For the most part, Miller stays true to the general outline of the Achilles story. She draws heavily from the works of Homer, as well as Plato's Symposium, Statius's Achilleid, Ovid's Metamorphoses, and Rhodius's Argonautica. From there, she works in the general details and events of Achilles's life, such as his upbringing, training, familial relations, actions in Troy, and death.
However, to make the narrative more of her own, Miller introduces new elements. For instance, she focuses more on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus than the ancient authors did. Furthermore, the ancient sources depict Achilles as a fervent lover of women. Yet, Miller's Achilles rejects women in every sense except for what would be appropriate for the sake of keeping up appearances. For instance, the original story of Deidamia of Skyros involves Achilles lusting after the princess and raping her. Instead, Miller's Achilles is a reluctant lover who has to be coerced into having a child with Deidamia. We see something similar happen with Achilles and Briseis. In the Iliad, Briseis is the coveted war-prize of Achilles. In The Song of Achilles, Achilles only shows interest in Briseis when Patroclus pleads with him to protect her and the other "concubines" from Agamemnon.
Whether or not Miller does a good job incorporating ancient mythology into her story is a matter of opinion. Purists may disagree with her creative changes to the original story. However, it is unlikely that Miller ever sought to write a story that is completely faithful to the original. Instead, she creatively uses ancient stories as the backbone for a novel that tells a story that today's readers may be better able to connect with.