The Song of Achilles, written by Madeline Miller, is an epic retelling of the Trojan War and the love story between Achilles, the greatest Greek hero, and Patroclus, his loyal companion. This novel is filled with powerful and memorable quotes that capture the essence of their relationship and the tragedy of war.
“You could carve a place in the world you wanted. You cold become someone great.” These words, spoken by Achilles’ mother, Thetis, to the young hero, foreshadow the extraordinary destiny that awaits him. As the son of a goddess, Achilles possesses immense potential and these words inspire him to strive for greatness.
“We were like gods at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other.” This quote encapsulates the intense love and connection between Achilles and Patroclus. They are inseparable, their souls intertwined, and their love for each other transcends the mortal realm.
“Do not disrespect the gods. Do not insult them by assuming they will make things right. They will harm you more. Do not expect that people will understand your goodness or your love. They will misunderstand it. Provide them with your love anyway.” These words of wisdom, spoken by Patroclus, reveal his compassionate and selfless nature. Despite the hardships they face, Patroclus believes in the power of love and the importance of showing kindness to others.
Most Memorable Quotes from The Song of Achilles
“Name one hero who was happy.” – Achilles
“Well… woman, I suppose. What did we expect? You’re made of delicate stuff. You’re doves with brutal hearts.” – Thetis
“In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun.” – Patroclus
“I will go, and fall like a string of pearls scattering, they will search for the only one missing, but who can find something lost in the grass?” – Achilles
“I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.” – Patroclus
“We were like gods at the dawn of the world, and our love was so bright we had to carve it into the stars.” – Achilles
“Don’t let them see you bleed, Achilles, I won’t let them. I won’t ever let them hurt you.” – Patroclus
“If I were not so afraid of terrifying you I would tell you I am thankful for you.” – Achilles
“This was what I wanted. To be his forever. To never hear another insult or lie spoken against him.” – Patroclus
Inspiring Lines From the Epic Novel
The Song of Achilles is filled with beautifully-written lines that capture the essence of love, friendship, and bravery. Here are some inspiring quotes from this epic novel:
- “He is half of my soul, as the poets say.” – This quote perfectly encapsulates the deep and profound love between Achilles and Patroclus.
- “You could rattle the stars if only you dared.” – These words from Thetis remind us of the potential for greatness that lies within each of us.
- “Some things are too big to be seen; some emotions are too huge to be felt.” – This line highlights the magnitude of emotions experienced by the characters and reminds us of the power of love and sacrifice.
- “All my life I had longed to be normal, but it seemed to me now that that had been precisely the wrong wish.” – This quote reminds us that it is our uniqueness and individuality that make us special.
- “He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget that. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature.” – These words from Thetis serve as a reminder that even in times of peace, Achilles remains a fierce warrior.
- “War is the foundation of all men’s stories.” – This line speaks to the theme of war throughout the novel and how it shapes the lives of the characters.
These quotes from The Song of Achilles remind us of the power of love, the importance of embracing our true selves, and the impact of war on humanity. They serve as a source of inspiration and reflection as we delve into the epic world crafted by Madeline Miller.
Powerful Words That Stay With You
One of the most compelling aspects of “The Song of Achilles” is the powerful words that stay with you long after you finish reading the book. Madeline Miller’s beautiful prose and lyrical writing style capture the essence of love, friendship, and the human experience.
Here are some of the most memorable quotes from the novel:
“In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood, like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun.”
This quote beautifully captures the deep connection between Achilles and Patroclus, their love and their ability to bring light into each other’s lives.
“I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.”
This quote illustrates the magnitude of Achilles’ love for Patroclus and emphasizes the eternal bond between the two characters.
“He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature.”
Thetis, Achilles’ mother, reminds us of the power and danger that Achilles possesses. This quote serves as a reminder that even though Achilles is a hero, he is also a fierce warrior.
“It has been the strangest year, but it has also been the happiest.”
This quote captures the bittersweet nature of Achilles and Patroclus’ love story. They find happiness in their time together, but their fate is tragic.
The words from “The Song of Achilles” are not just words on a page – they stay with you, resonating in your mind and heart, reminding you of the power of love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Unforgettable Quotes by Characters
Achilles:
“My mother used to say that the cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.”
“Perhaps he dreams of me, even here, so far from home. Perhaps he dreams of me and calls my name.”
Patroclus:
“I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.”
“He is half of my soul, as the poets say.”
Thetis:
“If you try to hold on to him too tightly, he will slip through your fingers like water. He is a gift, Achilles. You must let him be what he is meant to be.”
Odysseus:
“Luck is a goddess not to be coerced and forcibly wooed by those who seek her favors. From such masterful spirits she turns away. But it happens sometimes that, if we put our hand in hers with the humble trust of a child, she will have pity on us, and not refuse to let the future go by without giving us a sign.”
Heart-wrenching Emotions Expressed in Words
The Song of Achilles is a beautiful and haunting novel that is filled with heart-wrenching emotions. Madeline Miller’s poetic writing brings to life the tragic love story of Achilles and Patroclus, and through their words, we are able to feel the depth of their emotions. Here are some of the most powerful quotes from the novel that express the heart-wrenching emotions felt by the characters:
- “I will never leave him. It will be this, always, for as long as he will let me.”
- “Do not shame me with your eyes. None of this is your fault. You did not ask for the burden of my love.”
- “He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature.”
- “We were like gods at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other.”
- “When he touches me, my body is no longer my own. It belongs to him, to us, and for a moment, there is only the heat of our love.”
- “Perhaps the greatest of all heroes are the ones who loved unwisely, for their love shines brightest in the face of tragedy.”
- “I would know him in death, at the end of the world.”
- “He stares down at the ground for a long moment, his face drawn and pale. ‘I would slit my own throat before giving in to them,’ he says quietly.”
- “Without him, I feel like a tree that has been hollowed out, a shell of who I once was. He is my heart, and without him, I am nothing.”
- “We were scorch marks on each other’s hearts, ashes of the fire that had consumed us both.”
These quotes are just a glimpse into the heart-wrenching emotions that The Song of Achilles portrays. The novel is a testament to the power of love, loyalty, and sacrifice, and it will leave readers with a profound sense of longing and loss.
Quotes That Capture the Essence of the Story
“In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun.”
This quote beautifully captures the deep connection and love between Achilles and Patroclus. Despite the dark and challenging times they face, their love brings light and hope into their lives.
“I will never leave him. It will be this, always, for as long as he will let me.”
This quote represents the unwavering devotion and loyalty that Patroclus feels towards Achilles. He is willing to stay by his side, no matter what challenges they may face together, and will always be there to support and protect him.
“My will is his will.”
These words reflect the level of trust and unity between Achilles and Patroclus. They are so closely intertwined that their desires and goals align completely, creating an unbreakable bond between them.
“We were like gods at the dawning of the world, — and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other.”
This quote portrays the overwhelming happiness and love that Achilles and Patroclus experience in each other’s presence. Their connection is so intense that it consumes their entire world, making them feel invincible and eternal.
“When he died, all things soft and beautiful and bright would be buried with him.”
This quote captures the deep grief and pain that Patroclus feels at the thought of losing Achilles. His love for Achilles is so profound that he believes his own happiness and joy in life would cease to exist without him.
“His beauty, like a white flame.”
This simple yet powerful quote describes the extraordinary beauty and allure of Achilles. His radiance is compared to a pure and brilliant flame, capturing the attention and admiration of all who see him.
“In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun.”
This quote beautifully captures the deep connection and love between Achilles and Patroclus. Despite the dark and challenging times they face, their love brings light and hope into their lives.
Beautifully Written Quotes That Linger
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“My fears, born from the women I have known, all pale in the face of Patroclus. None of them have ever made me feel as he has made me feel.” |
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“We were like gods at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but each other.” |
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“I have fought because I am compelled to by neither gods nor men. Only by my own desire for glory and honor, and most importantly, for love.” |
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“There is rage in Achilles, but there is also softness, a vulnerability; and it is this that Patroclus loves, perhaps the most.” |
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“It is a sorrow beyond desolation, a sadness beyond measure, when you realize that the things you want to say most are the things that cannot be said.” |
These quotes from “The Song of Achilles” are not just beautifully written, but also have a lingering impact on the readers. The words capture the depth of emotions between Achilles and Patroclus, their love, their fears, and the beauty of their connection.
In the first quote, Achilles expresses his feelings for Patroclus, acknowledging that no other woman has ever made him feel the way Patroclus does. It shows the strength of their bond and the impact Patroclus has on Achilles.
The second quote beautifully describes the joy and intensity of their love, comparing them to gods at the beginning of the world. It highlights the all-encompassing nature of their relationship and the way they see nothing but each other.
Achilles explains his motivation for fighting in the third quote, emphasizing that his desire for glory and honor is driven by his love for Patroclus. It showcases the power of love as a driving force.
Patroclus’s love for Achilles is explored in the fourth quote, highlighting the complexity of Achilles’s character. Despite his rage and strength, there is a vulnerability that attracts Patroclus and deepens their love.
The final quote conveys a sense of longing and unspoken words between Achilles and Patroclus. It reflects on the pain of not being able to express the most important things and the heaviness it brings.
These beautifully written quotes capture the essence of the love between Achilles and Patroclus, leaving a lasting impact on readers and evoking a range of emotions.
Thought-provoking Quotes That Make You Reflect
The Song of Achilles is filled with poignant lines that make readers pause and reflect on the deeper meaning behind the words. Here are some thought-provoking quotes that will stay with you long after you finish the book:
- “There is no law that gods must be fair, Achilles, and perhaps it is the greater glory of being mortal that we are. We are there to suffer, and these moments of pain and suffering are what make our lives truly meaningful.”
- “Sometimes it is the relationships that end up defining us more than our own accomplishments. It is the people we love and lose that shape who we are.”
- “War is not just a battle between nations, but a battle within ourselves. It forces us to confront our deepest fears and desires, and it is in these moments of struggle that we discover our true strengths and weaknesses.”
- “Love is a double-edged sword. It can bring us the greatest joy and fulfillment, but it can also be the source of our greatest pain and sorrow. It is a risk we must be willing to take, for it is through love that we truly live.”
- “Sometimes the greatest heroes are the ones who never get the recognition they deserve. They may not stand in the spotlight, but they quietly carry the weight of the world on their shoulders and make sacrifices that go unseen.”
- “The choices we make can have far-reaching consequences, not just for ourselves, but for those around us. It is important to think carefully before acting, for our decisions can shape the course of our lives and the lives of others.”
These thought-provoking quotes from The Song of Achilles offer insights into the human condition, the nature of love, and the importance of reflection. They remind us to appreciate the moments of suffering, cherish our relationships, and make deliberate choices that align with our values.
Quotes That Explore Love, Friendship, and Sacrifice
1. “In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun.”
2. “We were like gods at the dawning of the world, & our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other.”
3. “There is a song that even the gods cannot bear to hear, and it is sorrow, endless sorrow.”
4. “And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”
5. “Patroclus… who I was not supposed to love, but whom I loved regardless of the consequences.”
6. “I would know him in death, at the end of the world.”
7. “He is half of my soul, as the poets say.”
8. “Names have power. They begin and end wars. They break hearts.”
9. “He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature.”
10. “The best of men are not perfect, but they are good.”