Herodotus and friends
My Takarazuka presentation for Multimedia Japanese is over. :) I don't think it went too badly, and it led to a class discussion on the way that gender issues aren't really openly discussed in Japan. We also ended up comparing hosts and 'Siennes, which was interesting. Finally, we concluded that women make better men than real men. :P
I'm just procrastinating actually starting my assignment on Herodotus, which is due tomorrow. Eek. 'Is it possible to judge Herodotus by the same standards which apply to modern historians?' >_> Well, although it's UNFAIR to judge Herodotus by the same standards, it is possible. Herodotus asks historical questions and answers them to the best of his ability using evidence, which he often analyses critically. That's really all we can ask of a historian... Of course, Herodotus' world was totally different - few, if any, documentary sources were available for him to consult. He was researching in a primarily oral society. And his audience had different expectations - they mostly wanted a good story! Thus, in Herodotus we find gold-digging ants and winged serpents, which sort of tarnish his historical reputation.
UGH, although I've done the research, I don't know how to bring it together coherently. I feel as though I'm just arguing what other people have already argued.
At least I can look forward to tomorrow (as long as I get this wretched assignment finished). Coffee with a friend I haven't talked to properly in ages, followed by Greek reading group, followed by Homeric reading group. <3
In other news, sister has redirected her attention from Kazu to Mizu. XD
OK, I'm going to start now!
I'm just procrastinating actually starting my assignment on Herodotus, which is due tomorrow. Eek. 'Is it possible to judge Herodotus by the same standards which apply to modern historians?' >_> Well, although it's UNFAIR to judge Herodotus by the same standards, it is possible. Herodotus asks historical questions and answers them to the best of his ability using evidence, which he often analyses critically. That's really all we can ask of a historian... Of course, Herodotus' world was totally different - few, if any, documentary sources were available for him to consult. He was researching in a primarily oral society. And his audience had different expectations - they mostly wanted a good story! Thus, in Herodotus we find gold-digging ants and winged serpents, which sort of tarnish his historical reputation.
UGH, although I've done the research, I don't know how to bring it together coherently. I feel as though I'm just arguing what other people have already argued.
At least I can look forward to tomorrow (as long as I get this wretched assignment finished). Coffee with a friend I haven't talked to properly in ages, followed by Greek reading group, followed by Homeric reading group. <3
In other news, sister has redirected her attention from Kazu to Mizu. XD
OK, I'm going to start now!