Song of Achilles (A Preface remark)

I will preface my remarks about the book by explaining that this sounds as though it is written for a gay marketplace. Because Madeline decided to use Patroclus and Achilles in a relationship that is clearly homosexual, this book will probably be considered controversial. I want to state my own position on this relationship before I discuss the book as written. Achilles is first of all a legend of a kind that nobody can be sure if he in fact actually exists in real history or not. Because he is son of a sea goddess, and the manner in which he is conceived and delivered is dubious to modern day thinkers, it is unlikely that he is in reality nothing more than a modern day Superman. None of us would believe that Superman is a real person, and it does seem odd to think that anyone can think that Achilles is in fact a real person. I am presently mulling over how it is that he came to be known as a son of a goddess, since later Greeks persist in believing in him and his birthright. Because I have studied Achilles and taken to him as well, I was very interested in Madeline's version of him in her vivid imagination. *************************** Because there are two or three references made by authors about him, the authors words are being taken as if they are true rather than just words put into a character's mouth. I have read all the references that support the idea that some authors want to make it appear that Achilles and Patroclus were probably lovers sexually as well as great friends. Any author has the freedom to make of Achilles whatever it is that they want. In my book so far I have used only information gleaned from ancient myths and the Iliad as written by Homer. Epic poem novel that it is. *************************** I had been resistant to the gay overtones in this book, which are often quite explicit, since I know that there is much homophobia in the world, whether right or wrong, makes no difference, but it is there. A god as such is someone who is elevated, and the Greeks seemed to argue which lifestyles elevated them into the socalled Paradisos of the times. Plato's Symposium is an example in which arguments are made both pro and con about sexual gratification as a means of attaining a heavenly bliss. I am concerned at how teenager boys will react to this book since it is about two young boys who become bonded together, and in the course of this book, actually come to enjoy each other's pleasures in ways that can only be described as gay. Through the course of the book, it becomes a real love story that can also exist without so called sexual embraces. Many people love one another wholly without having to have sexual knowledge of one another... **************************** The point in literature is to ride along with the author, and let the author take you with them in their journey. I suggest that nobody throw the book away just because Patroclus comes to love Achilles, and that Achilles comes to love Patroclus. Give the book the chance for it will be a rather interesting ride through this author's select words. ***************************** My next entry will be to discuss the book. No, I would not have Achilles and Patroclus be considered as homosexual lovers. But this is Madeline Miller's book, not mine. She took this particular path and has dealt with it in a very absorbing way. I interpreted Achilles through the reading of the Iliad totally differently than she has done. Homer does not ever give me the impression that Achilles had any sexual interest in Patroclus at all. It is a family tie that unites them and Achilles is an honorable man, defending his own family. End of preface for now...Review next.