Achilles Transcendence

I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion in this class because we encounter a transformed Achilles. He has just learned of the death of Patroclus at this point in the story, and his “grief is too great.” (p. 383) So when the Achaeans begged him to eat, Achilles refuses. Odysseus, wanting to be practical, urges Achilles to rest and eat in order to give the soldiers a break from fighting. “Don’t send our men out to fight the Trojans / Without any food in their stomachs.” (p. 379) This is normal; nobody can fight all day without nourishment. Achilles responds by suggesting that warriors eat “when the sun goes down” after “[their] shame [has been] avenged.” (p. 380) Seeking revenge for Patroclus’ death can only satisfy Achilles’ heart. Odysseus reply is one of many quotes that inspired my final paper for this class. “There’s very little to reap after Zeus decides / The price in human lives with a tip of his scales.” He continues by adding, “we have to bury all our dead, / Steel our hearts, and mourn them for a day.” He’s telling Achilles to harden his feelings and to move on from his loss. But, we observe a transcendence of Achilles. His physical body and mind have left the mortal world, as symbolized by his loss of appetite. His mental state transcends the human plane, losing all human feelings and desires. This is similar to becoming a spirit or ghost, who has accepted his fate, and seeks to haunt the Trojans for the death of Patroclus. This restless spirit of Achilles is driven by something much more important than eating, drinking, or resting—he wants to exact revenge, an ultimate feast for his heart.