I've posted a couple times before but I'm still at a lost, your team has been very helpful, if I could bother you once more. I have to write an essay based on four different wars - The Iliad, War and Peace, Richard III and Henry IV, someone earlier gave me a good idea for a thesis "For justice, for pride, for peace, for independence - war has been fought for all of these. I believe each of those wars can be linked to on of those "causes". I think Pride would go with The Iliad, but I don't know about the other 3 can someone help me. How would I compare all of these to war? I know the stories are about war, I guess I could say these are just a few of the reasons why there are wars?????

Question

I've posted a couple times before but I'm still at a lost, your team has been very helpful, if I could bother you once more. I have to write an essay based on four different wars - The Iliad, War and Peace, Richard III and Henry IV, someone earlier gave me a good idea for a thesis "For justice, for pride, for peace, for independence - war has been fought for all of these. I believe each of those wars can be linked to on of those "causes". I think Pride would go with The Iliad, but I don't know about the other 3 can someone help me. How would I compare all of these to war? I know the stories are about war, I guess I could say these are just a few of the reasons why there are wars?????

Thanks,
Michelle

Answer 1

First, go to Sparknotes.com and look up each of those plays. Look particularly at the themes section. You will find the links there. Then take each of those reasons and show how the play develops that theme.

Answer 2

If you had three words to describe War and Peace what adjectives would you use?

Thanks,

Answer 3

GuruBlue,

I'll do that. Thanks

Answer 4

Hi Michelle! I'd be happy to help you with your essay. It sounds like you already have a good thesis statement regarding the different causes of wars. Now, let's discuss how you can compare each of the other three works to the causes you have identified.

1. "The Iliad" and Pride: In "The Iliad," the Trojan War is primarily driven by the ego, honor, and pride of the Greek and Trojan warriors. You can analyze characters like Achilles and Hector, demonstrating how their desire for personal glory and recognition fuels the conflict and escalates the war.

2. "War and Peace" and Peace: Though seemingly contradictory, Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" explores war as a means to achieve peace. The novel reflects the Napoleonic Wars, and Tolstoy emphasizes the irrationality and futility of war, ultimately suggesting that peace should prevail over aggression and conflict. You can discuss the characters' longing for peace amidst the chaos of war and how they strive to achieve it.

3. "Richard III" and Justice: Shakespeare's play "Richard III" portrays the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars in England. The character of Richard III seeks revenge and power, manipulating others to achieve justice according to his own twisted sense of morality. You can examine Richard's pursuit of justice and how it intertwines with his desire for power, ultimately leading to the war.

4. "Henry IV" and Independence: Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part 1" depicts a rebellion against King Henry IV led by Prince Hal and the pursuit of a unified England. The play explores the themes of rebellion, independence, and the notion of an ideal ruler. You can analyze how Prince Hal's journey to claim his birthright and establish his independence ultimately leads to the conflict and war.

To compare these works, you can explore the motivations of characters within each story and their impact on the war or conflict. Consider analyzing the consequences of their actions on the broader society and the extent to which these causes shape the outcome of war.

Remember to support your arguments with specific examples and quotes from each work. Good luck with your essay! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.