Summary

In Chapter 16, Barker explores Achilles’ thoughts from the third-person-omniscient narrative perspective. Achilles expresses indifference towards his imminent early death under the walls of Troy before reflecting on his first meeting with Patroclus. Though he cannot remember the specifics of how they came together, Achilles admits that Patroclus replaced Thetis. As he wanders between moored Greek ships, distracting himself by making menial task lists, Achilles reveals that he misses Brises and suffers humiliation over losing her to Agamemnon, a man “inferior in every way that matters” (117).

In Chapter 17, Briseis explains that before Agamemnon permitted her to leave his lodgings on their first night together, he spat a glob of phlegm into her mouth. Traumatized by the disgusting act, Briseis arrives at the women’s hut in hysterics, and Ritsa soothes her to sleep. As Agamemnon’s slave, Briseis looms tirelessly in a crowded hut by...