Thucydides: The Peloponnesian War•Grade 7•dialectic Stage
The Melian Dialogue
The Text
What You'll Learn
1
Comprehension
Explains the situation: Melos was neutral, a Spartan colony; Athens sent an expedition demanding surrender
2
Cause & Consequence
Explains why Athens rejected Melian neutrality: "your friendship will be an argument to our subjects of our weakness, and your enmity of our power"
3
Meaning
Takes a position on Athens's claim that "the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must"
4
Defense
Explains why the counterargument has merit
How It Works
Your AI tutor will guide you through this text using the Socratic method. Instead of giving you answers, it asks questions that help you discover the meaning for yourself.
- 1.Read the text carefully
- 2.Answer the tutor's questions in your own words
- 3.Progress through each stage as you demonstrate understanding
Start This Lesson
Free to try. No credit card required.