Why did Patroclus want to join the battle?

• A. He wanted to seek glory for himself
• B. He was commanded by Achilles
• C. He sought to avenge a friend
• D. He could not watch in horror while the Greeks were slowly slaughtered by Trojans

Answer: (D)

Patroclus goes into battle mainly from a deep concern for his comrades and a relief at being unable to tolerate the Greeks’ peril. When he sees the Greeks pressed back and the Trojans slaughtering soldiers, his empathy and loyalty kick in, driving him to step forward to help defend them and to try to turn the tide. This moment shows that his motivation is to stop the immediate harm around him, not to seek personal glory or to act on orders from Achilles, nor to avenge someone.

So, the strongest fit is the idea that he could not watch in horror while the Greeks were being slaughtered, and felt compelled to act to protect his companions and the Greek camp.