Greek history in the 4th century BC is filled with fascinating characters, some of whom one might regard as real heroes despite the setbacks in their lives. The Greek/Roman historian Plutarch left us biographies of many of these figures, e.g., Agesilaus, Pelopidas, and Demosthenes. Please read Plutarch's account of the life of one of these men, and give your evaluation of that figure. To what extent is this man heroic? Do you see in their lives any elements of tragedy?
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Agesilaos, Pelopidas, and Demosthenes (extra credit)
Greek history in the 4th century BC is filled with fascinating characters, some of whom one might regard as real heroes despite the setbacks in their lives. The Greek/Roman historian Plutarch left us biographies of many of these figures, e.g., Agesilaus, Pelopidas, and Demosthenes. Please read Plutarch's account of the life of one of these men, and give your evaluation of that figure. To what extent is this man heroic? Do you see in their lives any elements of tragedy?
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Demosthenes seems to be a very ambitious and heroic person. Being without a father and then being treated poorly and robbed by his foster parents - only to turn around and sue and defeat them for reparations (however little he actually got) at age 20 is pretty cool. He was a good orator and politician and was very brave to criticize Philip of Macedon and fight against him and Alexander later. He seems to very much encompass that "great Greek" sort of image, one of honor and strength in both personal and national ambitions. I don't think it is tragic that he was eventually defeated by the Macedonians - it would have been tragic if he had capitulated or acted cowardly, which he did not.
ReplyDeletePelopidas was born to grand estate and riches, and yet he chose willingly to live meagerly, opting to donate his money to worthy men and causes. Epiminandos didn't take his money, and Pelopidas chose to live in squallor with his friend, choosing the life of a soldier along with him.
ReplyDeleteI love his reaction to when his friends scorned him for donating his money. His friends tell him that money is necessary for life, and Pelopidas states, "Yes, for him." pointing to a nearby lame and blind man. It's such a noble reaction that both accepts the need for money, but that he himself is not the most in need of it.
I think that the reason Demothenese was so bitter and capeable of such cruelty was because he was picked on horribly in his town. He was called names and even called a derogatory name by his own Mother. Baltas. So yes there is a tragedy there, a poor child was shaped into this cruel and bitter man, they eventually statred calling him Argas.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to Demothenese part of the thing that makes it tragic was that he was picked on and bullied when he was younger which would make him more cruel as a person. He did do some heroic things though like when he was a politician he would criticize Philip of Macedon.
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