Wed Sep 20

 

Herodotus, selections from the Histories (online)

 

Write a paper on either of the following questions:

1. How is the character of the Persian emperor Xerxes established through the dialogues at the beginning?  What strikes you as interesting or important? Compare the leadership of Xerxes with that of the Spartan king Leonidas.
2. What emotions does Herodotus seem to want to create in the reader, and how does he go about accomplishing his aim? What is your overall response to the story, especially its outcome?