He had performed tasks that were too arduous for the ‘common man’, but had also had shown some flaws. In this essay the previous questions will be answered. One must demonstrate bravery in order to be considered a hero. First, Odysseus clearly demonstrated bravery when he went off to fight in The Trojan War. He knew that he may have died, but he lead his men into battle anyway.
They witnessed as their comrades were blatantly killed on the battlefield, but were forced to quickly move on and continue fighting. This was the same mentality as the WWI soldiers featured in the book “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Remarque. However, in the true nature of these soldiers, they cared for and mourned over their fallen comrades. In addition, the soldiers of both wars didn’t join them because of the violence of it, but solely because it was their duty. They felt they needed to honor their country by serving in the wars.
They resisted to the system, knowing that the demand for troops and solders are increasing massively and that death and wounds needed replacing. Of course the most despised amongst the conscientious objectors are the absolutist who did nothing to aid the war. Although Conscientious Objectors were not seen as a good example back in the day, in the modern world they are considered as one of the bravest people. They were the ones who are willing to voice out their opinions on the war, even with a death threat hanging directly above them. They were the ones who stood their ground, no matter how harshly treated, abused and tortured their lives were.
The roman leadership helped the army keep together in tight situations. This leadership gave the army flexibility, speed and power. If an officer dies in battle the next most senior officer would take over immediately keeping the army orderly. A death of the leader in any other army during the time may have been catastrophic. The advanced chain of command they had gave them the ability to carry out orders with precision.
This caused the cicones to retaliate and start a fight with Odysseus and his men. I think this can be a good judgement of Odysseus’s character as if he was an effective leader he would not have got into this situation, but he did and then he also loses the battle causing Odysseus to lose thirty-two of his men. I think this is a clear example of poor leadership as it was not the only possible outcome and certainly not the best, therefore showing in this case Odysseus was an unsuccessful leader. Although Odysseus did show that he can be an effective leader with the encounter of the lotus-eaters, this is where I felt Odysseus was most pro-active and effective as he didn’t lose any of his men even though three of them were drugged. His tactics were much improved as he had the presence of mind to only send three men to investigate the island and then to force those three men back of the island after they had eaten the lotus flowers that put them in a forgetful mood.
The Battle of Granicus Alexander the great was not called the great for no reason. He was a powerful leader and amazing general. His abilities are shown not just though his personality but through his military tactics and battle logistics. The battle that takes this to all extremes and has a variety of aspects that can be focused on is the battle of Granicus. This battle shows not just how alexander won the battle but all the factors that helped him.
This view is challenged and reinforced throughout the film Flags of our Fathers, in regards to the character’s Mike, Ira Hays and Rene Gagnon. Gagnon is more of a passive observer on the battlefield and would rather be parading around the cities giving victory speeches. Gagnon challenges the popular view of a soldier as he values his appearance and is unwilling to sacrifice his own life for his comrades, for example he only chose the marines because of their uniform. Ira Hays reinforces and challanges the dominant view of a soldier, as he was a courageous and brave soldier who would sacrifice his own life for his country and mates. But also is emotional off the battlefield when he returns to America therefore he challenges the typical view of a solder.
Darius’s last attempt was his appeals to Alexander’s Greek allied soldiers to revolt against him or assassinate him. Alexander was known to take good care of his soldiers and their families. It would take a lot for any of his soldiers to betray him. For Alexander’s soldiers the risk was just too great. They feared for their lives
Rome also had the most advanced technology in the military department. They had the advantages they needed over all of the other territories. Rome wanted full control of everywhere around them, and that’s what they aimed the highest for. The Romans did seek empire, they did not back into it, their government was unequal, citizens had to believe everything the government told them, and they conquered other territories to make their empire
In times of battle, discipline was the glue that held the phalanx together (Background Essay) and the phalanx was a key to Spartan survival. So obviously it is important for the Spartan education to consist of self-discipline and respect. Since the Spartans were always paranoid about being attacked and had such a small population and army, it was important for them to learn about being physically fit, resourceful, sly, respectful, and to be self-disciplined. Spartan boys were taught to be physically fit so they could be strong for battle and to be able to produce a strong and healthy child. It was important for them to be resourceful so they could find food and not starve if one day put in that situation.