The Triumph of Achilles
by Louise Glück
‘The Triumph of Achilles’ depicts the titular hero as he mourns the loss of his beloved companion Patroclus.
In the story of Patroclus
no one survives, not even Achilles
who was nearly a god.
Louise Glück (pronounced as “Glick”), Nobel Prize Winner for Literature, 2020, is an acclaimed contemporary American Poet and essayist. She has not only received many notable awards but also was appointed as the Poet Laureate of the United States from 2003 to 2004. She has written twelve poetry books. These include Faithful and Virtuous Night which won the National Book Award in 2014. Another, Poems 1962-2012 won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Her poetry often deals with themes of relationships despair, and family matters.
‘The Triumph of Achilles’ depicts the titular hero as he mourns the loss of his beloved companion Patroclus.
In the story of Patroclus
no one survives, not even Achilles
who was nearly a god.
Even now this landscape is assembling.
The hills darken. The oxen
sleep in their blue yoke,
the fields having been
‘Anniversary’ by Louise Glück contains the words of a cold male speaker to his female partner. These lines, taking place on their anniversary, convey a troubling relationship dynamic.
‘Gretel in Darkness’ by Louise Glück is an incredibly creative poem. Through the perspective of Gretel, the poet explores what it’s like to be ignored and controlled by men.
You see, they have no judgment.
So it is natural that they should drown,
first the ice taking them in
and then, all winter, their wool scarves
‘The Wild Iris’ by Louise Glück is told from the perspective of a flower. It comprehends death differently than humanity does and shares its understanding.