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Theme Of Power In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

1085 Words5 Pages

. John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton once stated, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” However, the usage of power can be implemented positively or negatively, depending on the intentions of an individual. By definition, power is stated as the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events. Characters from The Epic of Gilgamesh by Sin-Leqi-Unninni and Lysistrata by Aristophanes demonstrate that not all who wield power results in corruption. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Enkidu, the companion and friend of Gilgamesh, obtains an amount of power that is different from Gilgamesh’s power. Although Gilgamesh is the king of Uruk and controls power in the city, Enkidu was created as …show more content…

The women felt that the war was causing disruption and ruining the unity between the people. Particularly, the main protagonist Lysistrata herself, gathers the power of females in hopes for peace and the reunion of Greece. Although the women initially were dubious about ending the war with a sex strike, it was Lysistrata who brought leadership to the group, encouraging all to contribute their powers for good, as she says, “Our country’s fortunes are in our hands; and whether the Spartans shall perish and the Boeotians shall be completely annihilated” (Aristophane 34-35). During this process, the women were faced with corrupted men, who believed that females should have no participation in the topic of war. Rather than succumbing to the demands of the men, Lysistrata insisted and argued for women to take charge and restore Athens. Near the end of the story, Lysistrata makes reconciliation by saying, “Now I intend to give you a scolding which you both deserve” (Aristophane 1147). Although the men were scolding Lysistrata initially for devising this entire plan, it is now Lysistrata controlling the situation. This exhibits the extent of power Lysistrata has, and how her effects of power impact others. Initially, the power of Athens was held in the hands of the men, as they were only perceived capable of handling important issues. However, the role of power which Lysistrata held eventually proved to everyone that fighting was unnecessary, and a truce was imperative for the

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