The Significant and the Insignificant

Download or read book The Significant and the Insignificant written by J.E. van de Veen and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2019-10-01 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Although it is widely recognised that Solon’s thoughts on human life (1.30-32) are important to a correct understanding of Herodotus’ work, little attention has been given to their narratological meaning. On the basis of a careful interpretation of five episodes, this monograph argues that Solon’s advice, ‘look to the end’, establishes the viewpoint from which Herodotus’ stories are to be understood. This viewpoint leads to surprising conclusions as to what is and is not important to the development of history. It casts doubts especially on the magnificent role of Athens and its democracy.