Sophocles wrote Ajax about 2,500 years ago. The first thing that comes to mind when hearing the word Ajax was isn’t that a household cleaning product? Yes, it is but Ajax was also a mighty figure in Ancient Greek literature.
The play begins sometime after the Trojan War has ended. Ajax is angry that he was not given the armor of Achilles which was instead given to Odysseus. The two are portrayed as enemies. Ajax also is angered by Menelaus and Agamemnon. In his rage Ajax kills a bunch of animals. In shame for his actions Ajax kill’s himself. Menelaus and Agamemnon demand that Ajax be denied burial. Odysseus shower argues that he should be buried.
I found the second half of this play far more compelling than the first half. Particularly the rationale behind the actions of Agamemnon, Menelaus, and Odysseus. As Odysseus said “it is not righteousness to outrage, a brave man dead not even though thou hate him.”
Agamemnon and Menelaus are consumed by anger or hate and they allow that to dictate their actions. On the other hand Odysseus can see what is just even when it was concerning his greatest foe. Overall this was a descent play.
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Sydney Carton is intelligent, capable, compassionate, self-destructive, and deeply dissatisfied with his life.
His potential is evident, but his accomplishments are limited. His habits are troubling, but his character contains admirable qualities. His reputation is unfavorable, but Lucie recognizes something in him that others have overlooked.
Perhaps the greatest mistake we can make when judging another person is to assume that who they are today represents everything they are capable of becoming. Yet there is an equally dangerous mistake: assuming that possessing the potential for greatness is equivalent to achieving it. Potential without action remains unrealized. Character without conviction may fail when tested. Reputation without substance is little more than appearance.
The challenge is not simply to possess admirable qualities or to be regarded favorably by others. It is to develop the discipline, courage, and integrity necessary to become the person we are capable of being. When ...
