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How Did Jacques-Louis David React To The Death Of Socrates

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Death of Socrates Socrates was an eminent philosopher credited as one of the founders of the western philosophy. During this time period, it was prohibited to have thoughts of your own that did not coincide with those placed by the order. Socrates idea's, that were shared to his followers, led to him being ostracized. As a result, Socrates was found guilty to not believing in the gods whom the city believes and for the corruption of the young, his followers. The theorist was sentenced to death by drinking a poison, Hemlock. This tragic event was “recorded by Plato,one of his two students, in the death scene from The Phaedo and, also in the famous painting, The Death of Socrates, Jacques-Louis David captures the moment of Socrates’ demise. …show more content…

With the use of pathos both authors capture the perception of the people. The sense of sorrow and agony really defined the reverence, the great philosopher, Socrates received from his followers. In the excerpt from The Phaedo, Plato describes the characters discussing “the great misfortune that had befallen” on them. The characters are explained to admire Socrates resolutely that his event for them was “only undesirable” and would now have to live “the rest of [their] lives as orphans”, meaning Socrates was like a father to them and his death was tragic. These examples of pathos can be reflected by Plato’s use of diction that clarify the feeling of anguish but, it also interprets the devotion Socrates’ followers had for him. As for the painting, you can detect particulars that demonstrates the tragedy of this event. Every person seems to have a face of despair and misery. The use of pathos is demonstrated through the color David used in his illustration. All the colors are very dull and dark, giving the painting a very dreary feel. Similar to the passage, the admiration for Socrates is also reflected by the man sitting next to him as he is looking up to him while the philosopher gives his last words of

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