Reversal of Fortune (Peripeteia in History)

But the discovery which is most essentially part of the plot and part of the action is of the kind described above, for such a discovery and reversal of fortune will involve either pity or fear, and i

Tap to expand

Among the many events of human history that might give one cause for wonder must certainly be reckoned what occurred at this time. The Romans, who were so extremely arrogant as to vote that they would

Tap to expand

The Romans after vanquishing the Samnites sent the captives in their turn under the yoke, regarding as satisfactory to their honour a repayment of similar disgrace. Thus did Fortune in the case of bot

Tap to expand

While the kingdom of the Macedonians was at its height, Demetrius of Phalerum,⁠ in his treatise On Fortune , as if he were a true prophet of its future, aptly made this inspired pronouncement: "If," h

Tap to expand

In the light of this, who, pray, would put his faith in the things that the multitude consider good, or would regard as enviable those whose good fortune is more than average? Indeed, it would be hard

Tap to expand

And Croesus asked Solon who of all living beings he had seen enjoyed the most felicitous life, thinking that Solon would by all means concede this distinction to him. But Solon replied, "I cannot just

Tap to expand

The herald, Talthybius, enters. Talthybius Where can I find Hecuba, who once was queen of Ilium, you Trojan maidens? Chorus Leader There she lies near you, Talthybius, stretched full length upon the g

Tap to expand

WHAT THINGS WERE DONE BY AGRIPPA AT JERUSALEM WHEN HE WAS RETURNED BACK INTO JUDEA; AND WHAT IT WAS THAT PETRONIUS WROTE TO THE INHABITANTS OF DORIS, IN BEHALF NOW Claudius Caesar, by these decrees of

Tap to expand

The Lacedaemonians were the leaders of the Hellenes, not long ago, on both land and sea, and yet they suffered so great a reversal of fortune when they met defeat at Leuctra that they were deprived of

Tap to expand

Now through Alcides' pass and Tempe's groves Pompeius, aiming for Haemonian glens And forests lone, urged on his wearied steed Scarce heeding now the spur; by devious tracks Seeking to veil the footst

Tap to expand

HERMES The Lydian cannot abide the outspokenness and the truthfulness of his words, Charon; it seems strange to him when a poor man does not cringe but says frankly whatever occurs to him. But he will

Tap to expand

CHARON But who is that man, Hermes, with the purple mantle about him, the one with the crown, to whom the cook, who has just cut open the fish, is giving the ring, All in a sea-girt island; a king he

Tap to expand

ZEUS Who is that, Hermes, who is shouting from Attica, near Hymettus, in the foot-hills, all dirty and squalid and dressed in skins? He is digging, I think, with his back bent. A mouthy fellow and an

Tap to expand

Then he began to discourse of Fortune and of human affairs, saying: Is it, then, fitting that one who is mortal should be emboldened when success comes to him, and have high thoughts because he has su

Tap to expand

Since, then, both these men experienced great reversals of fortune, let us first observe, with regard to their power and fame, that in the one case these were acquired for him by his father and inheri

Tap to expand

For not only were they all through their lives winning great successes, but meeting with great reverses; making innumerable conquests, but suffering innumerable losses; unexpectedly falling low, but u

Tap to expand

Uncertainties of Fortune One is often reminded of the words of Demetrius of Phalerum. In his treatise on Fortune, wishing to give the world a distinct view of her mutability, he fixed upon the period

Tap to expand

How Kingship Turns into Tyranny This then is the natural process of formation among mankind of the notion of goodness and justice, and their opposites; and this is the origin and genesis of genuine ki

Tap to expand

Chorus I cannot agree that you have counseled well: you would have been better dead than living and blind. Oedipus Do not tell me that things have not been best done in this way: give me counsel no mo

Tap to expand

Reason is the best remedy for the cure of grief, reason and the preparedness through reason for all the changes of life. For one ought to realize, not merely that he himself is mortal by nature, but a

Tap to expand