Phantom of words

1. Literal comprehension: Dionysius was tyrannical rule of Sicily. He was powerful, rich and cruel. The people used to him. But he was surrounded by a large number of wise and brilliant advisor or court men. He had also many foolish flatters in his place. Among them, Damocles was famous for flattering the king. He used to tell the king that it was greatest glory of the world to be great king like King Dionysius. One day, the king thought to teach Damocles wise lesson. During a banquet, he offered Damocles to sit on the throne. A first, Damocles was happy and proud of being king. However, when he saw a sharp sword hinging with slender thread over his head, he was shocked and terrified. He immediately wanted to leave the throne but the king told him to sit in the throne till the feast was over. As soon as the feast was over, he willingly left the throne and understood a good lesson that the life of a king is not only joyful and honorable but full of danger.

2. Interpretation: The ancient story is very much moral. It tries to show the autocracy and cruelty of the past kings. It also shows the powerful rules often suppress and dominate their subjects. This story also tries to show that it is easy to flatter and sing the glory and honor of powerful people but it is difficult, challenging and dangerous to live the life of such people in reality. This Greek story also shows that 'boundless' wealth does not necessarily bring happiness and satisfaction.

3. Critical thinking: This ancient Greek story is very much interesting and moral. It realistically portrays the authoritarian rule of the ancient kings. It also tries to prove that boundless wealth does not necessarily brings happiness and satisfaction. However, some ideas of the story are questionable. Is there always sword hanging over the head of a king? Are only the kings and rulers in danger but not ordinary people? Can such autocratic king offer and ordinary man to sit on his throne?

4. Assimilation: I am greatly impressed from this Greek legend. Before reading it, I used to think that kings and great rulers would be always rich, powerful, happy, honorable, and satisfied. Now I have realized that to be king or great ruler's means to not only be honorable and happy but under constant danger and burden. I have also understood that boundless wealth does not necessarily bring happiness and satisfaction.