The University of Arkansas
CLST 1003/1003H Introduction to Classical Studies, Greece
In-Class Writing Assignment #2
Professor D. B. Levine
Wednesday, November 16, 2016.
THE SLAVE’S LETTER:
THEMISTOCLES AND THE BATTLE OF SALAMIS.
Students will write this letter in class on Wednesday, November 16, 2016. No notes, texts or other resources are allowed during that class period.
This day’s writing assignmet will also include several “Classics in Our World” terms. Students will explain the ancient significance of each, their modern use, and include an example.
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A LETTER FROM THEMISTOCLES’ SLAVE SICINNUS.
Re-read Herodotus’ account in books 7 and 8 of the Athenian Themistocles, son of Neocles, as specified below.
Imagine that you are Themistocles’ slave Sicinnus, whom Herodotus calls “a house-slave of his – his children’s attendant” (8.75), and whom Plutarch calls “a Persian prisoner of war” (Life of Themistocles 12.3).
You have been with Themistocles during his adult life. You were with him when he persuaded the Athenians to change their minds about using the wealth from Laurium (7.144), when he interpreted the Delphic Oracles (7.140-145), when he bribed Eurybiades at Artemisium (8.1-5), when he had the clever plan to make some Greeks defect from Xerxes (8.19-23), when he convinced the Greeks to make a stand at Salamis (8.57-63), and when he decided to fool the Persians into attacking there (8.70-82) — in fact, you delivered the false message yourself (8.75).
The battle of Salamis is over; you have just delivered Themistocles’ guileful message to Xerxes about the Bridge at the Hellespont (8.110), and you are very happy at the Greeks’ victory.
Write a letter to your mother, telling her of your adventures with your master up to and right after the battle of Salamis, including references to the events outlined above. You will mention the battle, but only briefly. Please concentrate on Themistocles’ character, actions, and dolos. Tell your mother what you think of him, and what you expect him to do in the future.
Be sure to mention the following ten people, places, and things as Herodotus describes them, showing that you understand their importance and their role in Themistocles’ story:
Laurium, Delphic Oracles, Eurybiades, Artemisium, the Isthmus, Adeimantus of Corinth, Salamis, Artemisia, Xerxes, and Aristides.
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Evaluation criteria include completeness, accuracy, textual understanding, spelling and grammar. Show that you understand the events you narrate, and the role of the characters you mention. Show that you understand the geography of the events you describe. Make it clear what you think about your master’s character and actions.
Be creative, but do not stray too much from verisimilitude. Please write your letter in English, even though your slave character probably did not know it. You may imagine your family to be from any non-Greek region you like.
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