Alexander the Great : anointed with lighting

Abstract

Alexander the Great represents the pinnacle of mortal achievement. There are many histories, novels, and even self-help books written on Alexander, though very few discuss in detail exactly who this enigmatic youth was. Tragically, many historians deny the possibility of understanding the intricacies of Alexander's complex personality. This thesis espouses that Alexander can be studied as a human-being brimming over with wisdom and accomplishment. The research conducted for this thesis has involved combing the ancient authors whom Alexander read and was influenced by in order to fully represent Alexander as a deeply emulative hero. The portrait of Alexander that readers will find below is both deeply historical and fascinatingly mythical, for he lived in both worlds. Alexander believed in a prophecy uttered by Prometheus which foretold of a weapon that would "best the thunderbolt" of Zeus; the fulfillment of this prophecy would bring the glory of Alexander's heroic bloodline to a dramatic and powerful conclusion. To reach this goal, Alexander had to rival his ancestors Achilles and Hercules in accomplishment and then excel them in memory. It is the hope that this thesis will paint an original portrait of Alexander which is overflowing with the spirituality, passion, and adventure that characterized the young king.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2008

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Evans, Douglas K.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Degree Program

Humanities

Subjects

Arts and Humanities -- Dissertations, Academic;Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Humanities

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022250

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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