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We have to write discussion questions about the readings for my Alexander seminar. I just posted this:
1. Among the traditional canon of legends, myths, and half-truths the internet has produced in its precious few years of life is the Evil Overlord List (http://www.eviloverlord.com/lists/overlord.html), a gem of the web's early days (1996) which details what one ought not do if one becomes a sci-fi/fantasy style autocratic ruler. Number 17 of that list reads When I employ people as advisors, I will occasionally listen to their advice. Number 45 is I will make sure I have a clear understanding of who is responsible for what in my organization. For example, if my general screws up I will not draw my weapon, point it at him, say "And here is the price for failure," then suddenly turn and kill some random underling.
Does Alexander have a good reason for ignoring this sage advice when it comes to Parmenio the perpetually disregarded and other leaders of the Macedonian Phalanx of Terror? Was his fear justified when he kills Parmenio, as Arrian suggests, or is Alex starting to crack for some reason? Is his killing of the generals systematic and pre-meditated or reactionary?
2. Since I can't let a theme go, the 151st item of the list says I will not set myself up as a god. That perilous position is reserved for my trusted lieutenant.
Is Alex Persianizing? If he is, why? If it is a systematic choice, is getting drunk and burning a palace he just got for himself a rational (or even semi-rational) choice to demonstrate his mastery over the God-Emeperor of Dun...er...Persia, or is his very human, Macedonian drunkeness inhibiting his taste for Persian luxury?
Don't tell or they'll take away all those National Latin Exam gold medals.
1. Among the traditional canon of legends, myths, and half-truths the internet has produced in its precious few years of life is the Evil Overlord List (http://www.eviloverlord.com/lists/overlord.html), a gem of the web's early days (1996) which details what one ought not do if one becomes a sci-fi/fantasy style autocratic ruler. Number 17 of that list reads When I employ people as advisors, I will occasionally listen to their advice. Number 45 is I will make sure I have a clear understanding of who is responsible for what in my organization. For example, if my general screws up I will not draw my weapon, point it at him, say "And here is the price for failure," then suddenly turn and kill some random underling.
Does Alexander have a good reason for ignoring this sage advice when it comes to Parmenio the perpetually disregarded and other leaders of the Macedonian Phalanx of Terror? Was his fear justified when he kills Parmenio, as Arrian suggests, or is Alex starting to crack for some reason? Is his killing of the generals systematic and pre-meditated or reactionary?
2. Since I can't let a theme go, the 151st item of the list says I will not set myself up as a god. That perilous position is reserved for my trusted lieutenant.
Is Alex Persianizing? If he is, why? If it is a systematic choice, is getting drunk and burning a palace he just got for himself a rational (or even semi-rational) choice to demonstrate his mastery over the God-Emeperor of Dun...er...Persia, or is his very human, Macedonian drunkeness inhibiting his taste for Persian luxury?
Don't tell or they'll take away all those National Latin Exam gold medals.
