It would also help if I had a site where the phrase was shown in the literature. Thanks!!
2006-09-20 13:20:03 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
It is that we are living with the sword of Damocles
constantly dangling over our heads, gentlemen," cried Kazanovitch
passionately, turning toward us. "You will excuse me if I get some
cigarettes downstairs? Over them I will tell you what we fear."
http://www.literatureclassics.com/etexts/1299/17233/
2006-09-20 13:25:36 · answer #1 · answered by jsweit8573 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Damocles is a figure featured in a single moral anecdote which was a late addition to classical Greek culture.
The figure belongs properly to legend rather than Greek mythology. The anecdote apparently figured in the lost history of Sicily by Timaeus of Tauromenium (c. 356 - 260 BC). Cicero may have read it in Diodorus Siculus. He made use of it in his Tusculan Disputations V.61 - 62.
Damocles was an excessively flattering courtier in the court of Dionysius I of Syracuse, a 4th Century BC tyrant of Syracuse, Italy. He exclaimed that, as a great man of power and authority, Dionysius was truly fortunate. Dionysius offered to switch places with him for a day, so he could taste first hand that fortune. In the evening a banquet was held, where Damocles very much enjoyed being waited upon like a king. Only at the end of the meal did he look up and notice a sharpened sword hanging by a single piece of horsehair directly above his head. Immediately, he lost all taste for the fine foods and beautiful boys and asked leave of the tyrant, saying he no longer wanted to be so fortunate.
The Sword of Damocles is a frequently used allusion to this tale, epitomizing the insecurity of those with great power due to the possibility of that power being taken away suddenly, or, more generally, any feeling of impending doom. Woodcut images of the Sword of Damocles as a symbol appear in 16th and 17th century European books of devices.
2006-09-20 13:21:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a recurrent, short, mythical story found in a number of anthologies under Greek Myths. The import of the central theme still quite relevant for today as they usually are. Really, a test of character. Relative of " Be careful what you ask, you just might get it. " Also in line with the story of " The Monkeys Paw " which has more to do with immobilizing fear peddling.
2006-09-20 13:23:13 · answer #3 · answered by vanamont7 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
2006-09-20 13:24:30 · answer #4 · answered by Terri R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_of_Damocles
2006-09-20 13:24:00 · answer #5 · answered by Candy S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋