Homer's The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson discussion

This thread is for discussion of Book 16 of The Iliad.

Message from Trish: So, I'm reading Book 16, about the Death of Petroclus but don't see a special section for that. Kris, feel free to move this comment wherever it belongs.

Just wanted to state my amazement over Achilles' taunting language, in essence: 'You big baby, Petroclus, why are you crying? Just goes to show you aren't old enough to fight...'

But I really did not know, at least in Lombardo's version at least, that Achilles told Patroclus to armor up & lead the Myrmidons while he himself stayed behind to keep the ships from burning.

No, here it is in Fagles:
ACHILLES: "So you, you must strap my splendid armor on your back, you lead our battle-hungry Myrmidons into action!...So you can win great honor, great glory for me in the yes of all the Argive ranks...must must come back. Patroclus..."

Reply from Tamara: Trish wrote: "So, I'm reading Book 16, about the Death of Petroclus but don't see a special section for that. Kris, feel free to move this comment wherever it belongs.

Just wanted to state my amazement over Ach..."

If I remember correctly, I think Nestor advises Patroclus to convince Achilles to re-enter the battle. Failing that, he suggests Patroclus puts on Achilles' armor long enough to convince the Trojans that Achilles is back.

But when Patroclus goes to Achilles, he doesn't try to convince him to re-enter the battle. He just asks for his armor. Achilles agrees but on condition that Patroclus doesn't over do it. In other words, he cautions him against over-confidence and advises him to come back to camp quickly. Patroclus doesn't heed the warning. He gets carried away with all his success in killing Trojans until he meets his death at the hands of Hektor.*

Reply from Trish:
Tamara wrote: "If I remember correctly, I think Nestor advises Patroclus to convince Achilles to re-enter the battle...."

Yes. I will need to look at little more closely at that. I have been focused since seeing Achilles chide Patroclus for his tears. These moments are so vivid.