The Song of Achilles

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text throughout your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Explore the characterization of Achilles and Patroclus in the novel.

• To what extent does each fulfill and subvert traditional ancient Greek notions of What It Means to Be a Hero? (topic sentence)
• Find three examples to substantiate your argument.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, summarize if both men should be considered heroes by Greek mythological standards.

2. There is a clash of wills between Achilles and Patroclus with the fate intended for them by the gods.

• What is the prophecy that Achilles and Patroclus struggle to accept? (topic sentence)
• Identify an example in which Patroclus or Achilles try to escape their fate.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, sum up what this story says about The Immutability of Fate.

3. Throughout the novel, one’s gender ultimately defines their role in society.