Polarity Of Alcibiades's Character

Polarity Of Alcibiades's Character

"I have a better right to command, men of Athens, than another..." (Thucydides p.111). This simple excerpt from Thucydides is much more than a subtle gesture of self–acclamation, it is the thesis for the life of Alcibiades. For he truly, to his core, believed he was special, apart from the average Athenian. Time and time again, we see Alcibiades go to extremes to achieve the essence of this very statement. Again and again it is evident that would stop at nothing to take control of Athens and even if Athens refused him he would remain steadfast in attaining his maxim. This notion of character giving rise to destiny presents itself exquisitely through Alcibiades. The polarity in his character illustrates that the choices one makes directly impacts ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...Then this begs the question where is the polarity of his character, where is the good and bad? Nevertheless, there is a particular point which is critical in understanding the polarity of his character. By laying in–front of the oxen driven cart Alcibiades displays defiance, a willingness to break the rules no matter the cost, and when a fixation so grand presents itself even death cannot make him do what is right. And in this subtle and early manifestation, we see the extremes he is willing to go to to obtain that which he is set on. Plutarch makes it clear that Pericles nature was much more restrained, he acted less on the momentum of the moment and moreso on logic to dictate his actions. Thus, it can be assumed Alcibiades was rash and thrived in the moment whereas Pericles was reserved and calculated. In short, Pericles was balanced and calculated whereas, on the far end of the spectrum, Alcibiades was volatile! This variability in his character does ultimately cause his demise for in a democratic city–state such as Athens even the lightest hint of deception and extremes lead to ostracism. That is to say, Athenian democracy necessitates or rather demands a transparent, logical, and virtuous leaders. Leaders who are level headed, such as Pericles, and Alcibiades was simply not that. He was at times outrageous and extreme while at other instances charismatic and

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