Point of View

Patroclus is the narrator of "The Song of Achilles". Even once he is dead, it is still Patroclus narrating the events. The first-person singular account offers insight into the depth of Patroclus' love for Achilles, his blindness about Achilles, and it allows for glimpses of Achilles that outsiders do not see. Patroclus has insight into events that he shares in the tale.

The power of Patroclus' voice is that it takes the reader as long as it takes Patroclus to see how much Achilles has changed.

Setting

The novel takes place in many islands of Greece and in Troy. Waterways are key as they are the sole mode of transportation between kingdoms.

Phthia is home to Achilles. Mount Pelion is home to Chiron and to the boys while they study with him. Scyros is home to Deidameia and the palace where Achilles hides from those who...