What is a theme of "How the Death of Patroclus Roused Achilles," "The Making of the Arms," and "The Vengeance of Achilles" from the Iliad?

Question

Responses

Men make better armor than gods.
Men make better armor than gods.

A true warrior needs no armor.
A true warrior needs no armor.

A good deed can inspire long-lasting gratitude.
A good deed can inspire long-lasting gratitude.

The gods show no pity for people.
The gods show no pity for people.

Answer 1

The theme that resonates most strongly across "How the Death of Patroclus Roused Achilles," "The Making of the Arms," and "The Vengeance of Achilles" is that the gods show no pity for people.

In these passages, the actions and motivations of both Achilles and the gods highlight the harsh realities of war and the often indifferent or capricious nature of the divine in relation to human suffering. The gods' interventions and lack of empathy for mortal struggles illustrate the theme of divine apathy, underscoring the tragic elements of the narrative.