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.
Thomas Aquinas is credited as one of the greatest proponents of natural law. During his time in Cologne he was taught by Albertus Magnus. Magnus used the teachings of Aristotle in his mentorship of Thomas Aquinas.
Samuel Adams believed in American Independence from Great Britain. He is one of the most well know Son's of Liberty. On August 1, 1776 he gave a speech to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
The Mount of Forty Springs, Zagros Mountains, Iran Saturday 11:30 PM
By the dim light of torches seven hooded figures made their ascent up the nearly invisible path. Thirty minutes had passed since they began hiking off the established trail. A person who had never traveled this path would not have been able to find it.
These men were not making their first journey. Each had traveled this path as part of a group and individually. Even without the torches each man would find the destination without difficulty. Some things could never be forgotten.
In silence they made their final steps. Amidst the juniper and oak trees stood a single cedar tree. They had arrived at their destination. Concealed amidst the undergrowth was a small cave. Sliding a large bolder away from the back of the cave revealed a secret stairwell.
The men could not be completely at ease yet, but the most physically demanding portion of their journey was over. From this point things would be more psychologically challenging and each man would handle those struggles...
