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The Sword of Damocles

Literal Comprehension:

'The sword of Damocles' is a story from Sicily. There was a tyrant ruler named Dionysius. He was very popular and he exploited the countrymen. He loved only those people who flattered him. Among them was Damocles who sang the prestige, honour, glory and luck of the king. He said that the king's life was always happy, satisfied powerful, lucky and honorable. Although, Dionysius was a tyrant he was very clever and nobody could cheat him. One day he decided to teach Damocles a good lesson. He told Damocles that he would e tired of sitting in the throne and would resign from the throne in very short time. Damocles replied that he would never be tired of sitting in the throne.

The next day, the king organized a feast which many kings, princes and noble people attended. King Dionysius offered Damocles to sit in the throne. A large golden crown was put on his head. Many flatters came around him. He became very happy and proud. But when he looked up he saw a large and sharp sword hanging over his head. The sword was suspended on a thin thread and it might fall down anytime and kill Damocles. Being afraid, Damocles asked the king's permission to quit the throne. But the king told him to sit in the throne till the end of the feast. Damocles knows that kings are not only honourable, powerful, rich and happy but also always in danger and under the burden of responsibilities. When feast was over, Damocles immediately left the throne and crown.

Interpretation:
The writer may be trying to show the tyranny of the ancient king or rulers. The rulers are always pleased with the flatters but they ignore ad exploit the ordinary people but it is always risky to be powerful and responsible. The story also shows that the life of a king is always in risk ad he is bound by responsibilities.

Critical thinking:

This story talks about the dominating character of the ancient rulers. However some ideas of the writer are not satisfactory. Does a king or ruler become really happy with his flatters? Does a king really give his throne and crown to anyone so easily? Is there a sword always hanging over the king's head? Is the life of the king or rulers always challenging and risky if they are powerful? So I don't agree with the writer totally.

Assimilation:
before reading this story I thought that the kings were kind, happy and satisfied. But this story changed my thinking about them. I know that their post is always in risk. This story also reminded me about the ex-king Gyanendra. He always became pleased from his flatters but he ignored the feelings and needs of ordinary people. As a result Nepalese people abducted him from his throne.