I chose this pa**age because I think that it does a great job at showing one of the different sides of Achilles. In this pa**age Achilles is shown as very aggressive and insensitive towards his best bud Patroclus. In the book, after his closest friend (Patroclus) dies, Achilles is devastated and torn apart. In the moments after Patroclus' d**h, Achilles has multiple break downs. He cries, he gets angry, and he doesn't care if anyone sees him. However, in this pa**age before Patroclus dies, Achilles almost seems as if he has no heart at all. His pal Is crying and Achilles basically insults him for doing so, without even knowing what the reason behind his tears were.
While the men kept on fighting at the well-decked ships,
Patroclus went to Achilles, his people's shepherd,
shedding warm tears, like a fountain of dark water
whose stream flows over the lip of a sheer rock face.
Looking at him, swift-footed, godlike Achilles
felt pity. So he spoke to him—his words had wings:
“Why are you crying, Patroclus, like some girl,
an infant walking beside her mother,
asking to be picked up. She pulls the robe
and stops her mother strolling on ahead,
looking up at her in tears, until the mother
lifts her up. You're crying just like that girl,
Patroclus. Is there something you need to say
to the Myrmidons or me? Some news
from Phthia that only you have heard?
People say Menoetius, Actor's son,
is still living, and Peleus is alive,
Aeacus' son, among his Myrmidons.
If these two had died, then we'd have something
real to grieve about. Or are you feeling sad
for Argives as they're being obliterated
among the hollow ships for all their pride?
Speak up. Don't conceal what's on your mind.
Then we'll both understand.”
With a heavy sigh,
horseman Patroclus, you then replied: [20]
“Achilles,
Peleus' son, by far the strongest of Achaeans,
don't be angry with me. Such great despair
has overcome the Argives. For all those
who used to be the bravest warriors
are lying at the ships with sword and spear wounds— 30
powerful Diomedes, son of Tydeus,
hit by a spear, famous spearman Odysseus
with a stab wound, and Agamemnon, too.
An arrow struck Eurypylus in the thigh.
Many healers, exceptionally sk**ed
in various medicines, are with them now,
tending their wounds. But it's impossible
to deal with you, Achilles.