The Illiad
Throughout The Iliad, Robert Fagels describes the deaths of Pratroclus and Hector in an utmost descriptive and graphic way. The vividness in the words creates a different perspective to looking at the deaths of these men. The translator?s choice of words when describing the deaths of Hector and Patroclus goes beyond the literal meaning and often portrays some underline value in it. I chose to look at both deaths and create explanations for the choice of words used, and discover any common ground found between the two deaths.
In Patroclus?s death there is a point where he is trying to ?stagger free? with only a wound (line 453). This determination to live represents the importance of survival for both Achilles and Patroclus?s sake. He attempted to stagger free because it was not his time to die. Achilles should have been in battle, and Patroclus should have never approached the city. This attempt to stagger free was demolished when Hector ?rammed his spearshaft home, stabbing deep in the guts, and the brazen point went jutting straight out through Patroclus?s back? (line 457). The words portray complete termination. The spearshaft is completely through Patroclus?s
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