Thursday, January 30, 2020
Fall of Troy Essay Example for Free
Fall of Troy Essay Pride and self confidence are values often times convey in stories and books that chronicle tales about Greek Mythology. With the Gods and goddesses favoring a certain person and taking sides, mortals oftentimes grew more complacent and over confident about their own selves. As the Greek word Hubris implies it is an exaggerated act and display of self confidence that many times it leads to downfall of actions taken. Decisions are blinded and corrupted by the display of over confidence, thus details of courses are taken for granted. The events that transpired in Homer’s Iliad exemplify a person and a group of persons act of hubris.            The Iliad is divided into different sections. It is composed of twenty four different books, which narrate Achilles story and The Trojan War. Each story depicts how hubris plays an important role that leads to the result of the war and the downfall of a mighty city. It also narrates how disputes are born through hubris. The Trojan War was believed to be the greatest conflict in Greek History. The origin of the war was believed to have started, long before Achilles was born. It roots its origin in the conflict with the golden apple that happens among the three most powerful goddesses, Athena, Aphrodite and Hera. The event leads to Paris, a Trojan Prince running away with Helen, wife of Menelaus. Book I of Iliad, The Quarrel by the Ships verse 10 showcases a display of Agamemnon, King of Mycenae and brother of Menelaus, exceeding self confidence. Old man, dont let me catch you by our hollow ships, sneaking back here today or later on. Who cares about Apollos scarf and staff? Ill not release the girl to you, no, not before shes grown old with me in Argos, far from home, working the loom, sharing my bed. Go away. If you want to get home safely, dont anger me. (Homer The Quarrel by the Ships: Book 1 of the Iliad). Agamemnon’s pride and boastful antics were very evident that he even defies Apollo’s power. He has this belief that, since he is a very worthy ruler, he deserved all the great things as rewards. Also, we can see Agamemnon’s proud image on the same book verse 110 to 120: Prophet of evil, when have you ever said good things to me? You love to predict the worst, always the worst! You never show good news.  Now, in prophecy to the Danaans, you say archer Apollo brings us pain because I was unwilling to accept fine ransom for Chryses daughter, Chryseis. But I have a great desire to take her home in fact want her more than Clytaemnestra, the wife I married Chryseis is just as good  in her shape, physique, intelligence, or work. Still, Im prepared to give her back, if thats best. I want the people safe, not all killed off. But then youll owe me another prize. I won’t be the only Argive left without a gift. That would be entirely unfair to me. You all can see my spoils are going elsewhere. (Homer The Quarrel by the Ships: Book 1 of the Iliad). He refused to set free the priest’s daughter and would only do so if a replacement would take her place. Agamemnon believed that what the oracle had foreseen is wrong and his decision could only be moved if the condition he had set is satisfied. What he wants, he should get. It also shows that Agamemnon did not want others to make fun of him if he would loose his concubine without a replacement.             To avoid the looming war a truce was agreed upon that Paris and Menelaus should fight and whoever won would have Helen as his wife. Paris lost but could not accept his defeat. His words to Helen from Book III Paris, Menelaus and Helen verse 440 were some kind of excuse for his failure. Wife, dont mock my courage with your insults. Yes, Menelaus has just defeated me, but with Athenas help. Next time Ill beat him for we have gods on our side, too.†(Homer Paris, Menelaus, and Helen: Book 3 of the Iliad) He could have easily accepted the defeat and handed out Helen to Menelaus. But, he too was too proud to accept the defeat. Menelaus has clearly won their match but he could not bear loosing Helen, especially because of his own fault. Paris could have died right away if not for Aphrodite lending him the much needed help. Paris Hubris was in display.            The war then has become inevitable as Aphrodite persuaded Pandarus in breaking the Trojans oath. â€Å"Fiery hearted son of Lycaon, why not do as I suggest? Prepare yourself to shoot a swift arrow at Menelaus. Youd earn thanks and glory from all Trojans, most of all from Prince Alexander. Hed be the every first to bring fine gifts, if he could see warlike Menelaus, son of Atreus, mounted on his bier, his bitter funeral pyre, killed by your arrow.†(Homer The Armies Clash: Book Four of the Iliad).  Pandarus shoots Menelaus. His arrogant attitude and greed for fame and appreciation broke the treaty. Believing that he would gain glory by killing Menelaus, he fired his arrow. Pandarus was hungry for the honor he would get if eventually he can kill Menelaus. It would be of great pride of him to be recognized in that way.            The war has erupted, and many Trojan and Achaeans have died. Diomemedes, guided by Athena, have been pushing the Trojan Army back with his superb fighting skill. But as he pushes forward he was hit by Lycaon’s son. Come on, you brave horse-lashing Trojans, for the finest of Achaeans has been hurt.  I dont think hell long survive my arrows force.†(Homer Diomedes Goes to Battle: Book V of the Iliad). Lycaon’s son was bragging and shouting that he has killed Diomedes. For him, the best warrior has been killed so it would all be easy to take on the remaining enemy. He thinks of himself so highly and mighty. Little that he knows that Diomedes was alive and his boastful act only infuriates the fighting spirit of Diomedes. He was furious and attacked the Trojans more violently. So angry was Diomedes that he even tried killing Aphrodite. â€Å"Diomedes with his ruthless bronze had gone to run down Aphrodite, knowing she was not a god who could do much in battle not one of those who control mens wars. She was no Athena, no goddess Strife, who destroys whole cities.†(Homer Diomedes Goes to Battle: Book V of the Iliad). It was a display of hubris, as a mortal man attacked a goddess. Mortal men should respect Gods and recognized the vast difference between their abilities. Diomedes is powerful but he should know the limit of being human as Apollo stated from Book five verse 440 â€Å"Take care son of Tydeus. Go back. Dont think youre equal to the gods. The race of men who walk upon the ground can never match the race of deathless gods. (Homer Diomedes Goes to Battle: Book V of the Iliad).  The God’s pride was injured, and Diomedes actions angered the Gods and resulted to more bloodshed. From verse 330 of book six, it would be obvious that Hector was feeling low. â€Å"Paris, youre a worthless man. Its quite wrong of you to nurse that anger in your heart, while men are being destroyed, fighting around the city its steep walls. Its because of you the sounds of warfare catch fire around our city you would fight   any man you saw avoiding battle fleeing wars brutality.†(Homer Hector and Andromache: Book 6 of the Iliad).  This statement from Hector, commander in chief of Troy, shows how he has been hurt by the actions done by Paris. For him, branding his brother is a great insult. He knew he was fated to die in that war. Still, he chooses to fight for his people. Fully aware that it was his brother actions that shape the war, still, he together with their allies was duty bound in defending Troy. The Trojans are too proud especially Hector, the heir to the throne, to admit that Paris was wrong. They were too high and almighty to believe that a fellow Trojan would commit such misconduct. Hubris is again in display that blinded their actions. They could have easily handed out Helen when the Greeks asked for Helen’s return. Hector’s disappointment with Paris is again revealed to the following statement Brother, no one could justly criticize your work in battle, for you fight bravely. But you deliberately hold back and do not wish to fight. It pains my heart, when I hear shameful things about you from Trojans, who are suffering much distress because of you.† (Homer Hector and Andromache: Book 6 of the Iliad). He just could not stand what his fellow Trojans would tell about his brother.            Achilles on the other hand resolved to retire from fighting. His retirement from battle also showed sign of hubris. In a display of his â€Å"exaggerated pride†, which was revealing in verse 70 of Book 16, Achilles would not return to battle even if his comrades are slowly being killed and wounded. â€Å"Dreadful pain came in my heart and spirit when that man wished to cheat someone his equal and steal away that prize, and just because hes got more power. That really hurt, given that Ive suffered in this war so many pains here in my chest. Achaeas sons chose that girl as my prize. I won her with my spear, once Id destroyed her strong-walled city. Lord Agamemnon took her back, out of my hands, as if were some stranger without honor.†(Homer Patroclus Fights and Dies:Book 16 of the Iliad). His lost of drive for fighting happens when Agamemnon took Achilles concubine in replaced of the priest’s daughter who was set free. Achilles pride was hurt so he left the line of battle. He was one of the Greek’s mighty warriors and he believed that even Agamemnon should recognize that. Although, Agamemnon promised gold and the return of his concubine, to bring Achilles back to the lines of battle, Achilles injured pride was not persuaded. Instead he allowed his companion Patroclus to use his armor and fight in his place. He was proud enough not to work under the command of Agamemnon, who he believed is not a worthy commander in chief. His pride would not allow him to join the fighting, and his hubris had caused him the life of his friend.            Achilles returns to actions, from verse 20 of Book 19, was filled with power;  Mother, this armor the god has given me is a work fit for the immortals, something no living human could create†(Homer Achilles and Agamemnon :Book 19 of the Iliad). Upon hearing this Achilles was filled with fearless power. With Thetis by his side, he led his army. The overwhelming confidence brought by the armor and the rage he was feeling, was proof of his anxiousness to return fighting. â€Å"Though you’re e a brave man, godlike Achilles, dont encourage Achaeas sons to fight against the Trojan on empty stomachs. If so, the fight wont last for long if troops engage right now, once some god in fuses strength in to both sides. No. Instruct Achaeans to have some food and wine by their swift ships for they give strength and courage. No soldier can fight the enemy all day till sunset without some food.†(Homer Achilles and Agamemnon :Book 19 of the Iliad). This was a major display of hubris of Achilless, promising he will not waiver, rest and eat until he has avenged the death of his friend. The Death of Patroclus forced Achilles to return to the battlefield. He was enveloped of the idea of revenge. He was so angry that he even attacked Apollo, from verse 10 of Book 22. â€Å"Son of Peleus, why are you, a mere human, running so hard in an attempt to catch me, an immortal god? Youre still ignorant it seems, of the fact that Im a god. You keep coming at me with such anger.†(Homer The Death of Hector: Book 22 of the Iliad). Achilles was so enraged that he was fighting fiercely even in the face of God. He blames himself for the death of his friend. He was too weak to bear the his pride. The fall of Troy was destined to happen. With the consent from the Gods, Troy was fated to fall. However, hubris played an important role to its downfall. From the moment, the Trojan War broke out it was the hubris not only by my mortals but by Gods, which made the events more chaotic. With the Gods by taking up sides to show their power the outcome of the war and the course of history itself, was shaped and reshaped. Treaties could have been signed and bloodshed could have been avoided if not because of the over exaggerated pride and confidence every man possess. When the Trojans celebrated their apparent victory, it leads to their downfall. They have underestimated their foe. They taught that the Gods had ruled in their favor, when the horse was found. They also believed that the time a sea monster ate those who opposed the entry of the horse to the city was a sign from the Gods. They grew more complacent and failed to act and think rationally. They deduced that in fact they are greater warriors and men compared to the Greeks. They admired themselves too well. The admiration was overwhelming that they failed to size up their opponents that eventually it leads to a tragic end. The belief that the City could not be conquered made a difference. Necessary precautions were not done. (Homer The Iliad) Homer. Achilles and Agamemnon :Book 19 of the Iliad. 800 B. C. E. . The Armies Clash: Book Four of the Iliad. 800 B. C. E. . The Death of Hector: Book 22 of the Iliad. (800 B. C. E). . Diomedes Goes to Battle: Book V of the Iliad. (800 B. C. E). . Hector and Andromache: Book 6 of the Iliad. (800 B. C. E). . The Iliad. 800 B.C.E. . Paris, Menelaus, and Helen: Book 3 of the Iliad. (800 B. C. E). . Patroclus Fights and Dies:Book 16 of the Iliad. 800 B. C. E. . The Quarrel by the Ships: Book 1 of the Iliad. 800 B. C. E.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
All Quiet on the Western Front :: essays research papers
Foreign Policy Book Review      World War I took place in the early 1900's. The United States entered the war late, trying not to get involved with foreign affairs. In Erich Maria Remarque's WWI novel All Quiet on the Western Front, we see the war through the German point of view of a 19 year-old Paul Baumer.      As more and more young German nationalists are brain-washed into battle, more and more lives are altered forever. Once in the war, the young soldiers realize that war isn't at all as glorious as they had believed. They continuously live in fear and unfathomable doubt.      One thing I liked about this book was that the heroin dies in the end; not because of animosity towards the main character but because it didn't end in an archetypal happy ending. It felt more real than same old story we've seen over and over again where the main character sees all his friends die yet somehow survives every battle.      One thing I learned from was that it really was terrifying to be at war during a militaristic industrial revolution. New weapons were constantly being brought into the war, and no one knew how to defend themselves against them. In modern day we have plans and defense systems for anything and everything, but they hadn't yet seen tanks or machine guns. Conditions were horrible in the trenches and people went mad every other day.      The thing I liked most about the book, however, was that it was written from the point of view of a German soldier. In America we hardly ever see any war through anyone else's eyes other than those of another patriotic American. I thought this feature did well in showing that, no matter what country, each soldier differs little from any other. It is the nation that has the problem, and the soldiers are sent in to settle the dispute sometimes not knowing what that may be. They asked the same questions of their government that we asked of ours.      The only thing I didn't like was it was a little confusing at times because of his writing style. I often confused characters and events, but that can be said of any story.      I would definitely recommend this book in the future because it's different than other novels we read in the same ways I explained that I like it. It brought a new twist tot he average war novel.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Advertisements are a Waste of Resources
In a competitive economy, companies seek to persuade consumers to buy their products or to avail their services. It is impractical to think that companies should only stock their warehouses and wait for consumers to come knocking on their doors. If this is what businesses did, there would be an economic waste in terms of products being produced but not being bought.The critics of advertising attack the form of competition it provokes by saying it results in duplication and waste. It is equivalent to an arms race in the sense that a certain pattern might exist within an industry or sector concerning the extent of advertising. So if one competitor increases the extent to which it advertisers, others feel it is necessary that they do the same or at the very least engage in some form of advertising in order to maintain its market share or face the prospect of losing it.The advertisement rates during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 6 might be an example to some advocates who believ e advertising is a waste of resources. In this case, the resource alluded to is money. A ten-second advertisement spot cost between Rs 4-4.5 lakhs, while the associate sponsors of the event PepsiCo and Vodafone shelled something between Rs 40-60 crores each.These are nothing short of extortionate rates but companies must be having evidence to show that such rates are justified. It should however make marketers ask themselves an important question. Should they spend money on making a brand promise through advertising, or should they focus on keeping their brand promise by means of delivering what consumers want. However, although competition in advertising involves such waste, it is also a driver of innovation and setting new benchmarks. Competition is vital as it far outweighs its negatives with its positives and is a necessary requisite of a successful economy.There are some companies that literally manage to survive by spending almost nothing on advertising. Zara uses this strateg y and does it by employing a strong in-store experience and keeping their shelves stocked with the latest fashion through quick production methods. One might say Zara is more focused on keeping their brand promise. Marketers would agree that advertisements should not be made simply to create a buzz, but to help in the generation of sales.An important point to consider is the brand life cycle, as the role played by advertising depends on it. A new brand may find advertising a very important function so as to target potential consumers. At this stage, brand recognition is critical and advertising is the only way to build it when there are new products or services to offer. A mature brand on the other hand might want to further its reach through advertising or may even be trying to bounce back from a recent decline in sales.But is advertising a waste of resources? To answer this question, it must be kept in mind that advertising doesn’t exist in a vacuum.It has to be considered as one of the alternatives available in the marketing of products and services.The decision doesn’t lie at the extreme end of whether to advertise or do nothing, but is rather to either engage in advertising or in some other form of sales effort. It is one part of the marketing effort which includes packaging, servicing, direct selling, pricing and is generally undertaken when it can justify being the most effective and economical method to appeal to customers.It is a vital function if you consider its reach and ability to communicate with all potential customers and is therefore used widely by many companies. If a company decides to substitute advertising with another method that might prove to be less efficient, it would result in economic waste. The use of resources for advertising to differentiate products from competitors would not always mean that its use has been diverted. On the other hand and quite frequently, it denotes the use of resources that would otherwise be i dle and thus avoids the waste that comes with such idleness.
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Essay about The making of modern Africa - 1393 Words
The Making of Modern Africa: Colonialism Take a look at the past, our history; although there is only one factual outcome, there are an infinite number of opinions, perspectives and almost always more than one side to a story. I will be taking a look in to the novel, Colonial Africa, written by Dennis Laumann, as well as, African Perspectives on Colonialism, by A. Adu Boahen, and hopefully through this, we can gain a stronger understanding of Colonialism in Africa and how Boahen and Laumann compare and differ. On (p.1), Boahen states, â€Å"The most surprising aspects of the imposition of colonialism on Africa were its suddenness and its unpredictability.†When I began reading I lacked an understanding of what this could really mean. I†¦show more content†¦Boahen compares the native religions and the cultural aspect of Christian missionaries, and in the end describes the negative impact of European Colonization on Africa. While Boahen shares his words through the African perspective, Laumann presents a more straightforward, balanced overview of the colonial take over. In Colonial Africa, Laumann presents the colonization of African through what I feel to be a less bias perspective. Laumen shares information from Africa as a whole as well as the regional perspectives, touching on many of the same complications such as the understanding African people had of the world during this time. By the end of the 19th century we begin to see an end to the African slave trade. By 1880 the British naval squadron had successfully suppressed the trade of slaves across the Atlantic as well as the other major trade routs such as the Trans-Saharan. As many African leaders and kings objected to this change in trade Britain refused to drop the new trade restrictions. This eventually made way for equality of rights as well as a created a more equitable distribution of wealth through out the African people. From this, the African economy shifted and began to thrive on the trade of natural resources and in turn became a â€Å"gathering-based economy,†as Boahen states on (p.6). The trade of cocoa, peanuts, ivory, and rubber emerged and quickly replacedShow MoreRelatedEvolution Of Culture Midterm Essay1307 Words  | 6 Pagesin Africa and the Middle East, Homo erectus inhabited Asia, and Homo neanderthalensis flourished throughout Europe. These species however, all lacked a co gnitive flexibility which would destroy the blinding walls that blocked any connection between their multiple intelligences. All of science agrees that Homo erectus originated in Africa and expanded to Eurasia one million years ago. However, around 30,000 years ago, taxonomic diversity suddenly disappears and humans evolved into their modern formRead MoreWho Were th Neanderthals?1223 Words  | 5 PagesNeanderthals are modern humans closest extinct relative. 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