Essay Sample on Menander's Aspis

Introduction

Over time, slaves have suffered untold experiences from discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypical judgments. They have been considered people who cannot learn, work, or be civilized. Aspis is a comedy play written by a Greek writer called Menander. The comedy features an old miser called Smikrines; a machinery soldier called Kleostratos, Kleostratos' sister, and Daos, who is Kleostratos slave. Daos becomes an outstanding character in this comedy despite being a slave. This paper compares the character of the slave Daos as presented in Balme's translation of Menander's Aspis with qualities and roles of slaves as described in Aristotle's 'Politics.' Wrapping up the paper is a concise summary and conclusion of the points discussed herein.

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In this comedy, Daos demonstrates the mentality of being a slave like the other slaves described by Aristotle. While talking to Smikrines, Daos affirms, " the saying know yourself is profoundly true. Let me abide by it. Refer to me as an honest slave" (190). In his book, 'Politics,' a Greek philosopher called Aristotle explained that slavery is a natural thing and that human beings exist in two different types namely the slaves and non-slaves. Aristotle wrote, " For that reason, it is not only necessary but also expedient that some should rule others because, from the hour of birth, some people were born to rule and others for subjection." Considering this, Daos matches the ideals and stereotype about slaves. Despite being older, Daos is ruled and is a loyal slave to Kleostratos.

Elsewhere, Daos matches the idea of being a slave when he assumes that his master is dead because of his dilapidated shield abandoned in the battlefield. This proves the stereotype about slaves that they cannot think and reason properly. If Daos was ab; le to think and reason properly, he would have sought to confirm his suspicion before declaring to Smikrines that his master, Kleostratos, is dead. According to Aristotle, slaves are slaves because they lack the quality to think and reason properly. Aristotle argues that slaves need a master to direct them in doing what is necessary for them since they cannot think about it on their own.

Moreover, Daos matches the stereotypes about slaves in that; his master uses him as a source of labor just like other slaves elsewhere. Daos carries the weapons for his master Kleostratos to war and back. He is obliged to perform his slavery tasks without any complain, the work which he gladly does with great loyalty and submission. While addressing the Kleostratos uncle, Smikrines, Daos says, " Refer to me as an honest and loyal slave." In 'Politics,' Aristotle refers to slaves as living tools that can be compared with domestic animals that are only fit for physical labor. Aristotle claims, " And indeed the use made of tame animals and slaves is not very different; for both minister with their bodies to the needs of life." The work of Daos, therefore, depicts an extreme similarity with the typical stereotype of slaves as living tools for physical labor.

However, despite being the loyal slave to Kleostratos, Daos demonstrates some qualities that call into question the expectations presented by Aristotle. According to Aristotle, slaves are slaves because their souls are not complete. They lack some qualities that normal human beings naturally have such as the ability to think and reason properly. Based on Aristotle's argument, Daos is expected not to be able to think and reason properly. However, he demonstrates a high level of intelligence when he stages a false funeral of Chairestratos, Smikrines brother, to confuse Smikrines plan of marrying Kleostratos sister, epikleros. By doing so, Daos solves the puzzling problem for Chaireas, who would have lost Epikleros, his fiancee, to Smikrines. Therefore, Dao's action calls into question the expectations presented by Aristotle.

Elsewhere, Aristotle explains that slaves are void of thoughts and claims that without their masters, slaves are not capable of running their lives on their own. According to Aristotle, slaves are confused beings who are no more than thoughtless animals. However, Dao's attitudes and actions challenge this idea. While Daos' master, Kleostratos, is away, he is presented as a man who is unworthy of the title slave by the way he handles things. Despite being a slave, Daos solves a very tough problem for Chaireas. If Daos were completely a slave, he would not have been capable and able to solve any problem. Instead, Daos would have relied completely on orders given by his master Kleostratos or the order of Kleostratos uncle, Smikrines. It is puzzling how Daos, a mere slave, deceives the old Smikrines and cause him to lose the booty and properties of a Kleostratos heiress, epikleros. In this way, Daos qualities surpass the expectations of a slave as presented by Aristotle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the qualities of Daos call into question the expectations and arguments presented by Aristotle that slaves are naturally slaves and cannot be otherwise no matter what condition. In Menander's Aspis, Daos matches the stereotypes about slaves in such ways as being used as a source of labor, as well as, in taking orders from his master, Kleostratos. However, he demonstrates more qualities that surpasses that expectations of a slave including deceiving his master's uncle, Smikrines with a deceptive event causing Smikrines to lose what he wanted, the properties of Kleostratos, while restoring Epikleros to her fiance, Chaireas.