Plutarch's "Life of Solon" is an important source for both Solon and Pisistratos. For extra credit, read this abridged version of Plutarch's Life of Solon. What do you see here that makes Solon worth comparing to a legendary figure like Theseus?
Solon's story is worth telling, in my opinion, because of his impact on the city-State of Athens and its people. Interestingly enough, Solon, like Theseus, was able to defeat is his opposition, though they seemed to be more of the political and criminal justice sort, Solon was able to overcome; that is until he was done dealing with Athenian shenanigans, lead by Pisistratus, a "smooth talker and master of fraud..." He decided to stay home and write about Atlantis, which according to the reading, "finishing the story of Atlantis proved too great a task..." So, Solon decides to write bitter poetry instead. Like Theseus, Solon makes a difference, but instead of using strength and tenacity, he uses his wisdom, wit, and poetic charm to win the hearts of the Athenians.
Solon is worth comparing to a legendary figure like Theseus for several reasons. Both Solon and Theseus were able to overcome and defeat their enemies. Second of all, they had different ways of going about things to make a difference for the Athenians. Theseus had used dominance and determination to make a difference, while Solon used his poetic skills and knowledge. Either way, Solon and Theseus can be compared for these reasons.
Theseus and Solon both made contributions to Athens that changed the culture for a certain period of time. Solon was able to help the Athenians by reforming the laws from the previous laws of Dracon. Solon was the forerunner to the modern-day democracy. He established a supreme court, freed all of the Athenian slaves and established the council of 400. Theseus was known as the founder of Athens. He took Attica and united the city-state of Athens. Both of their fates didn’t end well, Theseus was exiled and assassinated and Solon lost his life’s work by revolutionary tyrants. Mitch Buller
Solon should be seen as a Legendary as Theseus. He did wonders for the under privileged by setting their debts and mortgages to zero, creating classes by still including everyone to pay their part in Athen's democracy, he removed the laws of Dracon that punished crimes too severely. He was a friend to both the poor and the rich, trying to mend things harmoniously between all peoples.
I think one thing that makes Solon more memorable than Theseus is that he most likely existed, and his feats are within reason. His demeanor reminds me a lot of Socrates', who would have come a couple hundred years after Solon's death. Though his work was often mitigated by the passions of either the rich or poor, he was good at mediating that dispute and putting through practical and relatively modest changes to Athens' governing. I think that the most practical measure of his merit is that even after Pisistratus took power most of his laws were held up and minded even by Pisistratus, and likewise Solon was never dealt with harshly despite his opposition to various fads or habits in Athens.
Solon's story is worth telling, in my opinion, because of his impact on the city-State of Athens and its people. Interestingly enough, Solon, like Theseus, was able to defeat is his opposition, though they seemed to be more of the political and criminal justice sort, Solon was able to overcome; that is until he was done dealing with Athenian shenanigans, lead by Pisistratus, a "smooth talker and master of fraud..." He decided to stay home and write about Atlantis, which according to the reading, "finishing the story of Atlantis proved too great a task..." So, Solon decides to write bitter poetry instead. Like Theseus, Solon makes a difference, but instead of using strength and tenacity, he uses his wisdom, wit, and poetic charm to win the hearts of the Athenians.
ReplyDelete-Jonathon Fargher
Solon is worth comparing to a legendary figure like Theseus for several reasons. Both Solon and Theseus were able to overcome and defeat their enemies. Second of all, they had different ways of going about things to make a difference for the Athenians. Theseus had used dominance and determination to make a difference, while Solon used his poetic skills and knowledge. Either way, Solon and Theseus can be compared for these reasons.
ReplyDeleteTheseus and Solon both made contributions to Athens that changed the culture for a certain period of time. Solon was able to help the Athenians by reforming the laws from the previous laws of Dracon. Solon was the forerunner to the modern-day democracy. He established a supreme court, freed all of the Athenian slaves and established the council of 400. Theseus was known as the founder of Athens. He took Attica and united the city-state of Athens. Both of their fates didn’t end well, Theseus was exiled and assassinated and Solon lost his life’s work by revolutionary tyrants.
ReplyDeleteMitch Buller
Solon should be seen as a Legendary as Theseus. He did wonders for the under privileged by setting their debts and mortgages to zero, creating classes by still including everyone to pay their part in Athen's democracy, he removed the laws of Dracon that punished crimes too severely. He was a friend to both the poor and the rich, trying to mend things harmoniously between all peoples.
ReplyDeleteI think one thing that makes Solon more memorable than Theseus is that he most likely existed, and his feats are within reason. His demeanor reminds me a lot of Socrates', who would have come a couple hundred years after Solon's death. Though his work was often mitigated by the passions of either the rich or poor, he was good at mediating that dispute and putting through practical and relatively modest changes to Athens' governing. I think that the most practical measure of his merit is that even after Pisistratus took power most of his laws were held up and minded even by Pisistratus, and likewise Solon was never dealt with harshly despite his opposition to various fads or habits in Athens.
ReplyDelete