In Madeline Miller’s novel The Song of Achilles, Patroclus is depicted as a character deeply intertwined with themes of love, friendship, and honor. While the book does not explicitly state Patroclus’s race, it is worth noting that Miller’s interpretation of ancient characters sometimes incorporates a more diverse representation than traditionally seen in classical literature.
Some readers interpret Patroclus’ physical appearance as being more inclusive, reflecting a broader range of human experiences and identities. This choice can resonate with contemporary audiences and challenge established norms in the portrayal of historical figures. However, the ancient context often lacks detailed descriptions of characters’ racial backgrounds, leaving room for interpretation.
Ultimately, the focus of The Song of Achilles lies more in the emotional and relational depth of characters rather than their physical characteristics. Therefore, whether Patroclus is depicted as black is open to interpretation and can vary based on individual readers’ perspectives and the images they conjure while reading the text.