Acclaimed author Madeline Miller recently published her second debut novel, “Circe” after her worldwide success “The Song of Achilles” took over the articles as number one fan-favorite all over the internet. Both novels are retelling of Homer’s characters in Greek mythology, each portraying their own unique protagonist overcoming life’s obstacles, and, although the two books contain some similarities, their themes and significance differ distinctly.
The Song of Achilles is a romance narrative between Achilles, the heroic warrior, and Patroclus, his faithful companion whose perspective is used to narrate the story. The plot develops against the backdrop of the Trojan War, where the story is divided into sections to accommodate gods, men, war, and love. In Madeline’s version of the myth, Patroclus’ story is just as important as Achilles. Circe is a seductress and witch who resided on an isolated island and turned Odysseus’ men into pigs before eventually becoming his partner. Despite the fact that the work contains a number of minor characters and subplots, Circe is the protagonist from beginning to end, and no one (not even Odysseus) can take her place.
The Song of Achilles is about Achilles’ love for Patroclus, whereas Circe begins with an instance of unrequited love. When Patroclus learns that the Fates have decreed that Achilles would die in the war, he strives to avert the deaths of those who will die before him so that Achilles will never have to die. The story revolves around two buddies who become inseparable lovers. There are societal constraints that prevent them from loving each other. As they become older, other issues confront them: one wonders if he wants sons, another has a son but refuses to have anything to do with him, and so on. Circe tells the story of a little girl who was rejected by both her parents and her siblings. She learns her abilities when she is on the verge of despair, but fate is harsh to her, and she is banished to the island of Aiaia. Circe perfects her occult talent here by taming wild creatures, taming a wild land, and taming wild animals. In addition to becoming one of the most feared witches, she goes through the stages of falling in love, being heartbroken, being outraged, and becoming a mother. While Achilles lives off his fate of fulfilling his prophecy of becoming a war hero, Circe writes her own destiny off the little she has been given.
The Song of Achilles is set in the Trojan War for the most part. We see several colors of love and ego clutching Achilles and Patroclus, both of which are vital to the story’s progression. Circe, on the other hand, benefits from her solitude. Circe’s exile to the island of Aiaia gives her a new lease on life. She develops wisdom and skill, and she questions the ‘Fates’ plans for her. Madeline’s Achilles achieves his goal of becoming a famous military hero, but it is Circe who perseveres and fights her fate. From the start of the tale, Achilles is destined to be a hero. Circe, on the other hand, goes through a protracted period of self-discovery. This appears to be a veiled dig at a society that celebrates men’s accomplishments while portraying ambitious women in a negative way.
Despite having similar characteristics such as being Greek mythology retellings, Miller’s new novel published in 2018, Circe, is a completely distinct work of its own. The characters share the same type of toxic household, where they futurely suffer with traumas as children; however, while Patroclus Achilles’ help to move past his obstacles, Circe is completely alone, having to deal with them herself. Both books have been well received by the public, achieving great ratings and commentaries, and they’re definitely worth reading.
By: Thereza Castilho and Maria Eduarda Marques
EAC PRESS 