Alexander
Plutarch opens by explaining his method: he writes lives, not histories, and "sometimes a matter of less moment, an expression or a jest, informs us better of their characters than the most famous sieges." Alexander's birth was attended by omens: his mother dreamed of thunder, the temple of Diana burned. As a boy, he tamed the wild horse Bucephalus when no one else could, and told his father "you will leave me nothing to conquer." He conquered Persia, Egypt, India. But power changed him. He demanded to be worshipped as a god. In a drunken rage, he killed his friend Cleitus. He died at 32, having conquered the world but lost himself.
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Recalls Plutarch's statement about writing lives, not histories - small moments reveal character
Cause & Consequence
Explains what drove Alexander from youth: fear his father would leave him nothing
Meaning
Engages with the question: Does power inevitably corrupt?
Evidence
Cites a specific passage or phrase from the text
Defense
Maintains or thoughtfully revises their position under challenge
How It Works
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- 1.Read the text carefully
- 2.Answer the tutor's questions in your own words
- 3.Progress through each stage as you demonstrate understanding
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