Melian Dialogue
Kavon Nowroozi
Honors English 10
20 November 2012
Freedom vs. Survival in The Melian Dialogue The Melian Dialogue, written by Thucydides, is an account of the confrontation between the people of Melos and the people of Athens. Melos was a small island off the southeastern coast of Greece that tried to remain independent and neutral during the Peloponnesian War. The Athenians wanted to gain control of Melos in order to intimidate the Spartans. The theme of freedom vs. survival is evident throughout this dialogue, as the Melians do not want to succumb their freedom to the Athenians, whatever the price. The Athenians doggedly try to convince the Melians that they will not be able to survive on their own, but the Melians refuse their offer. Their steadfastedness is characteristic of a phenomenon seen throughout history. When people posses enough hope and courage, they are inspired to fight for their freedom, even when their survival is not guaranteed. The Melians were fiercely independent people who valued their freedom highly. "If we submit at once, our position is desperate; if we fight, there is still hope that we shall stand secure" (28), were the words of the Melians. There is a great sense of unity among the people, and although they are part of just a small island, it is evident that they share a sense of hope. Hope can be thought of as a sense of optimism. Together with courage, it drives people to fight or stand up for their beliefs. Usually in life, people who have hope are among the most successful people, because they are not willing to give in to ideas they don't believe in. The Melians do not in any way consider themselves any less superior than the Athenians, even when they are told that, "the most successful people are those who stand up to their equals, behave properly to their superiors, and treat their inferiors fairly." The Melians know that the Athenians have a stronger army, and more resources, but they are not intimidated. They are told
Honors English 10
20 November 2012
Freedom vs. Survival in The Melian Dialogue The Melian Dialogue, written by Thucydides, is an account of the confrontation between the people of Melos and the people of Athens. Melos was a small island off the southeastern coast of Greece that tried to remain independent and neutral during the Peloponnesian War. The Athenians wanted to gain control of Melos in order to intimidate the Spartans. The theme of freedom vs. survival is evident throughout this dialogue, as the Melians do not want to succumb their freedom to the Athenians, whatever the price. The Athenians doggedly try to convince the Melians that they will not be able to survive on their own, but the Melians refuse their offer. Their steadfastedness is characteristic of a phenomenon seen throughout history. When people posses enough hope and courage, they are inspired to fight for their freedom, even when their survival is not guaranteed. The Melians were fiercely independent people who valued their freedom highly. "If we submit at once, our position is desperate; if we fight, there is still hope that we shall stand secure" (28), were the words of the Melians. There is a great sense of unity among the people, and although they are part of just a small island, it is evident that they share a sense of hope. Hope can be thought of as a sense of optimism. Together with courage, it drives people to fight or stand up for their beliefs. Usually in life, people who have hope are among the most successful people, because they are not willing to give in to ideas they don't believe in. The Melians do not in any way consider themselves any less superior than the Athenians, even when they are told that, "the most successful people are those who stand up to their equals, behave properly to their superiors, and treat their inferiors fairly." The Melians know that the Athenians have a stronger army, and more resources, but they are not intimidated. They are told