Greek history in the 4th century BC is filled with fascinating characters, some of whom on 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?You may comment on all three lives for additional extra credit
Brian Johnson
ReplyDeleteI read the account of the life of Agesilaus. I can certainly see both elements of heroism and elements of tragedy.
He was a hero in the sense that he had many admirable qualities. He was brave, wise, and tried to be as just as possible. The story of how he refused to sacrifice his daughter is an especially good example of that.
His life had tragic elements in the sense that he had served so long and hard in the service of his country, but he ended his life serving the ruler of another country.
I also thought his intense hatred of the Thebans was a weakness, especially because it led to a big defeat for the Spartan military and a decline in their dominance.
Terry Kenny
ReplyDeleteOf the three Pelopidas seems to be the most heroic. He gave his money to those less fortunate and tried to emulate his friend, Epaminandas, who lived a spartan life style and would not take money from Pelopidas. His dedication to his country was such that he wanted to "raise his country to the highest point of glory". He was also a skilled diplomat and warrior who was constantly running from place to place puttin out diplomatic "brush fires". The only tragic thing that happened to Peolpidas was that he died in combat. But, being the soldier that he was, that was probably the only way he could die. So it wasn't tragic at all.
The life of Demosthenes on the other hand is full of heroism and tragedy. He wanted to be a great orater and he worked hard at it. He would speak with pebbles in his mouth to overcome his stammering. He hung a sword over his left shoulder so he would learn to stop raising that shoulder when he spoke. Much like a boxer who has someone slap him in the face when he does not pull his jab back quick enough. He would always do what was right despite what the public opinion was. No focus groups for Demosthenes. He spoke freely about the faults of the Greek people and roused them to defend their liberty when he perceived that it was slipping away. He also rebuilt the walls of Athens at his own expense. All very heroic. But his life was loaded with tragedy. His father died when Demosthenes was young. His guardians stole the money his father had left him limiting the boys education. He gave in to temptation over a gold cup and was exiled from his country though he did return. He had to leave his country again and killed himself. The plaque dedicated to him was more disgrace then an honor. Those people had a longer memory than most americans do.
That brings us to Agesilaus. A Spartan king who had both heroism and tragedy in his life. He was very loyal to his friends. Wanted only the best for Sparta. And did everything he could to defend his country. However,Agesilaus had some very human characteristics. And don't we all? He became jealous of his friend Lysander who was an important part of the military. The jealousy became so bad that Lysander begged to be reasigned and demoted to lieutenant and was killed in battle. Brian commented on Agesilaus' hatred of the Thebian people. This would lead to the loss of 500 of the best Spartans at leuctra from which the Spartans would never recover or regain their former glory. Agelisaus ended up serving in the egyptian military where he deserted. This is a real tragedy. He was raised and trained to never run or abandon his post in the field and in the end he did. Plutarch says he did so because he wanted to see his home again. But did he abandon the principles of the Spartan warrior to do so? He never made it home anyway. He was stranded on a beach in Africa and died.
Kirsten Saunders
ReplyDeleteWell, whatever virtue is, Agesilaus certaintly had it; but his desire for distinction added certain tragedy to his life. He was very devoted, but when it came to his grudge against Thebes Agesilaus was plagued by hypocrisy. His personal "animus against Thebes, and his immoderate ambition, caused Agesilaus to be a hypocrite with regard to justice." Also, as mentioned above already, Agelisaus didn't know when to give up. Even in his worn, old, and mangled state he attempted to lead the Egyptian army, which he later deserted. He did not know when to stop. It's hard to say whether Agelisaus was heroic. He certaintly had admirable qualities, but his wish for distinction possibly prevents him from a truly heroic title.
Peter Ryman
ReplyDeleteI read the part on Pelopidas. I am not impressed with him. I wouldn't say he's heroic at all.. Perhaps he won a few battles, he may have deceived a few people and done a few things for his men or whatever, but virtue that is true is far from him.
The tragedy that i see in his life is that he had no knowledge of God.. the true God. His life counted for nothing, he died in vain, and his legacy is hardly worth noting in my opinion.
Professor Marmorstein I thought you said that Epaminandos and Pelopidas were in lust with eachother? The reading said otherwise! They were good friends and the Sacred band was nothing more than a bunch of brave men paired together in order to make them try to outdo eachother, not because they were lovers! Who's telling the truth here!! :)
The more I read and the more aware and knowledgeable I become, the more I realize all people ever want is a hero. Along with that awareness comes the knowing that everyone has their downfalls, including our so called heroes.
ReplyDeleteAgesilaus started his life as an ideal hero. He was not given the upper hand and struggled to his rightful place as leader of Sparta. Often it is personality traits that can be the downfall of our beloved heroes. Agesilaus unfortunately was too easy on his friends, but often held grudges. He never hurt anyone without just cause but sometimes he could have been gentler.
Kelsey Leddy
Agesilaus was considered a hero for a while and indeed was a great warrior, but he had some faulty logic when it came to ruling a city-state. Pelopidas was a smart operator who brilliantly beat the Spartans with the help of his lover, but was persecuted for taking a little too long on the battle field. Demosthenes was probably the best of the three. He had the gumption to point out Athens's faults and try to keep foreign powers from overtaking them.
ReplyDeleteKevin Nakajima