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Discussion Guide

Song of Achilles, The

A New York Times Bestseller

"At once a scholar's homage to The Iliad and startlingly original work of art....A book I could not put down." --Ann Patchett, author of The Dutch House

A thrilling, profoundly moving, and utterly unique retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War from the bestselling author of Circe

A tale of gods, kings, immortal fame, and the human heart, The Song of Achilles is a dazzling literary feat that brilliantly reimagines Homer's enduring masterwork, The Iliad. An action-packed adventure, an epic love story, a marvelously conceived and executed page-turner, Miller's monumental debut novel has already earned resounding acclaim from some of contemporary fiction's brightest lights--and fans of Mary Renault, Bernard Cornwell, Steven Pressfield, and Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome series will delight in this unforgettable journey back to ancient Greece in the Age of Heroes.

These book club discussion questions are provided courtesy of Harper Collins. 

Book club questions for Song of Achilles, The by Madeline Miller

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

In the Iliad, Patroclus is a relatively minor character.  Why do you think the author chose him to be her narrator? Which other figures in the story might make interesting narrators?

Near the beginning of their friendship, Achilles tells his father that he values Patroclus because "he is surprising." What do you think Achilles means by that? How is Patroclus different from the other foster boys? Why?

What do you think are the reasons behind Thetis' opposition to Patroclus?

How do the boys change during their time with Chiron? Do the centaur's lessons continue to be a guiding force in their lives?

On the island of Scyros, what motivates Deidameia's desire to speak to Patroclus alone? What does she hope to achieve?

To what extent does Achille's ultimate destiny shape his choices? Is there such a thing as free will in this world?

Historical events can sometimes turn upon the will or personality of a single person. Aside from Achilles, are there other characters whose faults or virtues significantly affect the Trojan War's outcome?

Myths are often called "timeless" for their insights into human behavior.  What parallels do you see between the characters and conflicts of this novel and today? What pieces of Patroclus and Achilles' story can be universalized?

What is the significance of song and music in the novel?

Patroclus is often a self-critical narrator.  Consider how other characters in the novel regard him--do they see him in the same way he sees himself?

As represented in the novel, what are some of Odysseus' defining qualities? Do you find him a sympathetic character? Why or why not?

Consider the explosive falling-out between Achilles and Agamemnon.  In what ways are each of them at fault for the rift? Could it have been avoided, or was it inevitable given that Achilles' fate is determined?

Achilles and Briseis each claim Patroclus' loyalty and affection.  In what ways are they similar or different? What are the dynamics of each of their relationships with Patroclus?

What does the encounter between Priam and Achilles reveal about Achilles? Why do you think Achilles grants his request?

Near the end of the book, Odysseus comes to speak to Pyrrhus on Patroclus' behalf.  Why do you think he does this? How did it change (or not) your opinion of Odysseus?

Peleus warns his son that any mortal who visits the sea-nymphs in their caves beneath the sea does not return the same. How is this belief borne out by the character of Pyrrhus, who was raised there? In what way does Pyrrhus confirm or deny Patroclus' fears about the gods?

In the final pages of the book, we learn more about Thetis. How does this affect our view of her?

Patroclus tells Thetis that he is "made of memories." What does he mean by that? What role does memory - both personal and cultural - play in the novel?

Song of Achilles, The Book Club Questions PDF

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