“The Song of Achilles” is a must
It is important to note that the love story isn’t the only thing happening in “The Song of Achilles.” The characters grapple with war, fame, immortality and the loss of humanity. It serves as a great example of LGBTQ+ representation in that it approaches and treats gay romance the same way straight romance would be written about. The novel is a fictitious retelling of the classic Greek myth of Achilles and his companion and rumored lover, Patroclus. Miller tells the story of their love through the eyes of Patroclus, spanning from childhood to adulthood in a lyrical writing style. The Song of Achilles
Miller’s novel The Song of Achilles depicts the Trojan War through the eyes of Patroclus, a character with an arguably minor role in The Iliad. Following the life of Achilles and Patroclus through childhood into the last year of the Trojan War, the book allows an insight into Patroclus’ character that was less explored in Homer’s epic. By , it had sold over 2 million copies worldwide, according to Strand Magazine. TikTok reviews sparked a renaissance for the novel, and within months, millions of young readers were posting tearful reaction videos. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller Book Review
“The Song of Achilles” is a love story, a queer awakening, and a gut punch wrapped in poetic prose. And for many folks in the LGBTQIA+ community, it hits deep. For centuries, people danced. Due to the increasingly accepting times, and a lot of free publicity on TikTok, The Song of Achilles finally reached number one on the New York Times Bestseller list in , almost ten years after its release. Early in his childhood, Patroclus commits an act of violence towards another child, and his father Menoetius must decide whether to sentence him to death or to exile. Queer representation in literature
TL;DR: "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller is recommended if you aren't already familiar with the story of the Iliad, and strongly recommendation if you are. It is also hella gay. Sing, Muse, the tale of Achilles, half-god, born of Thetis sea-nymph and Peleus King. Achilles is the great war hero of classical literature, and there has been much speculation about his sexuality. Achilles is one of the greatest war heroes of Greek mythology. Why Madeline Miller's Song of Achilles is Queerphobic
If you plan on celebrating queer culture and media during pride month this year, “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller is a staple novel to start with. The novel features a gay relationship not often presented in popular media – one that is mutual, intimate, romantic and best of all: direct. There is no. Its claim to fame is focusing on a romantic relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, a close relationship that has been discussed and debated by historians for centuries. Is this the right decision?
TL;DR
The Song of Achilles was an absolutely fantastic read. It portrayed the romance between Achilles and Patroclus as a beautiful and inspiring love story, while also staying true to the time period of Ancient Greece. Its lack of blatant homophobia in the plot maygive queer readers a much needed break from the bigotry they face in everyday life. .
How 'The Song of Achilles' Became an LGBTQIA+ Must
Achilles and Patroclus are gay in the modern sense in Miller’s telling, as they both express that they are not attracted to women. Achilles’ wife in The Song of Achilles coerces him into sex despite this. A female character getting in between a gay relationship is a painfully familiar misogynistic trope in many modern queer works. .
Was Achilles Gay? What We Know From Classical Literature
Achilles is the great war hero of classical literature, and there has been much speculation about his sexuality. Let's look at the evidence. .