Thucydides - When War Comes
In Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War, war brings along with many negative elements for a society. These negative effects are seen very clearly in Athens during the Plague and in Corcyra during the civil war. Lawlessness, dissipation of religion and acts of treason are among these effects that are seen by Thucydides in his accounts. He tries to inform his reader on the horrifying effects that a war has on a society, and does so clearly using Athens and Corcyra in their times of desperation. As the great power of Athens was subjected to the plague, Athenians inside as well as outside the walls surrounding the city began to lose hope. Although perhaps they were content about this at first, for the day the plague broke out the Spartans retreated under the command of King Archidamus. But this notion of content is quickly dismissed as the severity of the plague increases rapidly. Thucydides uses the plague as a metaphor for war, it shows up usually out of no where and worsens with time. While the plague lowered the enthusiasm the Athenians had built up during Pericles' funeral oration, the war brings down people in the form of their lives. Thucydides uses the plague as a perfect exa
This shows that no one was any longer safe, you couldn't hide, couldn't retreat, and couldn't even give up. "In times of peace and prosperity cities and individuals alike follow higher standards, because they are not forced into a situation where they have to do what they do not want to do" (Thucydides, III, 82). This lack of or breakdown in moral and religious authority leads to many deaths. However, once a horrific situation is brought into the picture, and the once peaceful environment becomes disrupted, people as well become disrupted. They completely obliterate the thought of religion, which has become none other than nonsense and lies. When war comes, war comes full force. The civil war in Corcyra is very similar to the plague in Athens. Complete lawlessness, dissipation of religion and authoritative figures, and many innumerable deaths. People change completely, their attitudes and their faith. Thucydides presents the civil war in Corcyra as a breakdown in authority, which is unable to control the city. The "unprecedented lawlessness" (Thucydides, II, 53) is introduced in this society where "No fear of god or law of man had a restraining influence" (Thucydides, II, 53). No longer do they abide by the law and no longer do they believe in their gods. During the plague, Athenians went against everything that Athenians were said to be. mple because its effects are so similar to that of a war, and because while the plague is taking place, Athens is at war with Sparta. Just as in war, the citizens of Athens need to find someone to blame all these atrocious events on, and who better than Pericles.
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