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- Title
THE ASIDATES EPISODE IN THE ANABASIS.
- Authors
Peterson, Sandra
- Abstract
The final episode of the Anabasis dismays many readers: Xenophon takes a small group of associates to kidnap the household of the wealthy Persian, Asidates. Thereby he himself becomes wealthy. This paper examines several details of the account of that episode. The mature author gives us the unvarnished facts straightforwardly, through the uncritical perspective of the youthful agent. From these brute facts the reader may infer that the mature writer intends a negative judgement about the final episode. The mature Xenophon thus presents some self-criticism. That capacity for self-criticism may come from the influence of Socrates. There are reasons, however, to make a further judgement that Xenophon's admirable capacity for self-criticism was sadly limited. One cannot escape deep disappointment after reflecting on the final episode of the Anabasis.
- Subjects
XENOPHON, ca. 430-354 B.C.; SOCRATES, ca. 469-399 B.C.; JUDGMENT (Psychology); DISAPPOINTMENT; KIDNAPPING; HOUSEHOLDS; PERSONAL criticism
- Publication
Greece & Rome, 2024, Vol 71, Issue 1, p61
- ISSN
0017-3835
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1017/S0017383523000232