Homer's The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson discussion

This thread is for discussion of Book 9 of The Iliad.

Achilles' speech is justifiably famous. Certainly I think we are meant to contrast it with Hector's to his wife - the latter wishing glory and honour for his son while Achilles rejects all of that in favour of a long and quite life. The listener would know, too, that Hector's son will be murdered while still a toddler and that Hector was soon to die. They would also know that Achilles will end up fighting after all, and will die on the walls of Troy. I have been surprised by just how much emphasis there is on the pointlessness of this conflict, of the fact that everyone would be much better off it they all just went home....but "honour" forbids it.

I would also say Patroclus and Achilles' relationship is tenderly and subtly suggested. I also thought the complementary paring of Iphis/Patroclus and Achilles/Diomede interesting - with each pair sleeping on an opposite side of the room - is there a suggestion of some sort of harmonious balance there (and we have seen the "harmonious" music they were making when the guest arrived)? A balance that will be destroyed by Patroclus' death?