Essay Questions

Deconstruct Cyrus’ mannerisms after he “left his grandfather's court and came home to Persia.” - “BOOK I

Xenophon writes, “Thus Cyrus left his grandfather's court he spent one year more as a boy among boys. At first the lads were disposed to laugh at him, thinking he must have learnt luxurious ways in Media, but when they saw that he could take the simple Persian food as happily as themselves, and how, whenever they made good cheer at a festival, far from asking for any more himself he was ready to give his own share of the dainties away." Cyrus depicts utmost humility for he does not despise the Persian culture especially its food. Exposure to luxury does not encourage him to embrace arrogance and a sense of superiority. He fits in with other boys despite his social status because he is cultured and well-mannered.

Why does the ‘King of Assyria’ yearn for a bigger empire? - “BOOK I”

Xenophon writes, “By this time the king of Assyria had subdued all the tribes of Syria, subjugated the king of Arabia, brought the Hyrcanians under his rule, and was holding the Bactrians in siege. Therefore he came to think that, if he could but weaken the power of the Medes, it would be easy for him to extend his empire over all the nations round him, since the Medes were, without doubt, the strongest of them all.” The king depicts excess hunger for power. Despite having conquered numerous empires, he still yearns to subdue Medes. He wants to consolidate the subjugated regions so as to have a single broad empire where he rules and controls all resources. Indeed, he wants to be the ultimate king of more than a single empire.

What type of religion does Cyrus practice and why is this system of belief important? - “BOOK I”

Xenophon expounds, “Such were his orders and they set about them at once. But Cyrus himself went home and prayed to the gods of his father's house, to Hestia and Zeus, and to all who had watched over his race. And when he had done so, he set out for the war, and his father went with him on the road." Cyrus's worship of multiple gods is a polytheistic religion. Each god serves a particular role; hence, is petitioned to handle specific matters in his realm. Cyrus recognizes the multiple gods who are worship in his family and venerates them appropriately to earn their providence.

Why does Cyrus’ father distrust soothsayers? - “BOOK I”

Cyrus’ father asserts, “Thus you need not be at the mercy of any soothsayers who might have a mind to deceive you, speaking contrary to the omens vouchsafed from heaven, nor yet, should you chance to be without a seer, drift in perplexity and know not how to profit by the heavenly signs: you yourself through your own learning can understand the warnings of the gods and follow them." The remarks come after the appearance of ‘thunder and lightning’ which are deemed ‘ favourable omens.’ The father discourages Cyrus from consulting soothsayers because they could mislead him about the implications of the meanings. His father’s wisdom is more dependable due to his age and advanced experience with communicating with gods. The soothsayers are nota absolutely dependable people.

How does Cyrus demonstrate his remarkable managerial skills? - “BOOK II”

Xenophon reports, “And now in the interval, before the enemy were actually at hand, but while rumour said they were advancing, Cyrus took on himself a three-fold task: to bring the physical strength of his men to the highest pitch, to teach them tactics, and to rouse their spirit for martial deeds. He asked Cyaxares for a body of assistants whose duty it should be to provide each of his soldiers with all they could possibly need, thus leaving the men themselves free for the art of war.” Cyrus’s tasks are intended to increase the troop’s concentration so that they would not be distracted by anything before facing the enemy. The tasks ensure that all the troops are utterly ready; hence, they will not be taken by surprise. Approaching war artistically increases the odds of facing the enemy courageously. Through the tasks, the soldiers begin warming up and they set their minds to combating the oncoming adversary.