PLUTARCH, RISE & FALL, PT. 3

STUDY QUESTIONS

    Nicias, Acibiades, Lysander

    NICIAS

1.  Describe the influences that contributed to the Athenians deciding to go to war in Sicily.

2. How was Plato able to promote the acceptance of natural causes for natural phenomena?

3. Why did Nicias’ fate cause his men to despair of ever receiving justice from the gods?

4. Why was the knowledge of Euripides’ poetry of great benefit to Greek soldiers?

5. What was the irony in Nicias suffering defeat at the hands of the Sicilians?

    ALCIBIADES

1. Explain the phrase "Leave the flute to the sons of Thebes, for they have no idea of conversation."

2. Of what nature was Socrates’ "love" for Alcibiades?

3. What is the nature of Alcibiades character? Explain with examples.

4. What was a "deme"?

5. What does Alcibiades’ ability to quickly assimilate with all types of people show regarding his character.

    LYSANDER

1. How did Lysander contribute to the corruption of Sparta?

2. How did Lysander empty many of the Greek ships without a single battle?

3. How was Gylippus’ theft foiled and what was the lesson to be learned from it?

4. How was most of the Greek navy destroyed in a half hours’ time?