Adaptations of masculinity: mapping the affective power of Achilles and Patroclus

Abstract

Abstract The Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus, two of the heroes of the Trojan War, has served various ideological purposes in adaptive revisions. The central question of this article is how the story lends itself to different interpretations and ideological projects across time. Building on concepts of affect, power, and cartographical reading, as described by Gilles Deleuze, the analyses highlight the potential of the myth to do different things. The examples analysed are Christa Wolf’s novel Kassandra, Madeline Miller’s novel The Song of Achilles, and a figure skating routine by French elite skater Kevin Aymoz. A comparison of these adaptations shows how the myth can be used to celebrate alternative notions of masculinity and challenge homophobic discourses. Furthermore, the comparison highlights figure skating as a mode of adaptation where a performer becomes a character, thus underlining the affirmative potential of the sport.