Maximus 'Honor In The Movie The Gladiator'

487 Words1 Page
bulb-icon

Recommended: The importance of honor

The General Who Became A slave A Slave Who Defied An Emperor

In the movie “The Gladiator” directected by Ridley Scott, he displays through the actions of Maximus (the Emperor’s general) what it means to be a great leader. And he uses Commodus the Emperor’s son to show the traits of a bad leader. In the movie Commodus kills his father to become Emperor and ordered Maximus and his family to be killed. Maximus survives, but is turned into a gladiator slave and opposes the Emperor using his fame and popularity from the games. Because Maximus inspires people through respect, love and honor he is shown as a great leader, compared to Commodus who is the complete opposite of him.

Honor is one of the main reasons why Maximus was a great leader. When the Emperor Marcus Aurelius gave Maximus the final task of giving Rome back to itself, Maximus put the emperor’s orders above all else. Maximus’ honor was best shown when he was face to face with Commedus. Instead of getting his vengeance for the murder of his son and wife, he put his duty over revenge because if he killed Commedus he would not be able to carry out Caesar’s last order. …show more content…

In the movie Maximus’ love for his family drove him to survive to exact his vengeance. Maximus also loved the Emperor like a father so he wanted to kill Commodus for murdering him. Commedus’ love on the other hand promoted hatred. Commodus loves his sister Lucilla, this is obvious by the way he speaks to her and his hatred towards Maximus, whoem she had always loved. As well as love, respect is another important component to great

Show More
Related

  • Marcus Brutus: An Honorable Man

    558 Words  | 2 Pages

    Even though Brutus knew that Caeser had turned down the crown three times, he still felt he was too ambitious to rule over Rome. If only Brutus would have had a level head on his shoulders like Antony. If anyone can call a murderer honorable, let them know. The third and final act Brutus committed that left him with a dishonorable image, was that he ran and then killed himself just to avoid battle. In early Rome, a man was thought to be noble and brave if he fell from an enemy’s sword, not if he ran and committed suicide.

    Read More

  • Belief System In Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus

    1264 Words  | 3 Pages

    The murder of Mutius indicates that he was not as equally cherished as his older brother, Lucius. Although Titus called Lucius a traitor, Lucius was never in danger of being killed by his father. Lucius, as the oldest, appears to be in a position of immunity while Mutius, and his brothers who were killed in battle, were expendable. It is of no consequence that so many bodies were laid to rest because, most importantly, the eldest son survives and the family name is able to continue. Titus instills loyalty in Lucius and, in turn, Lucius honors his father.

    Read More

  • Examples Of Honor In Julius Caesar

    910 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the end, the characters of Julius Caesar all have more complicated relationships with honor than they appear at first glance. Brutus, while well intentioned and seemingly honorable, cannot see the line that separates honor from murder, Cassius who appears dishonorable in every way aims, at least in part, to protect rome and its people and Portia who appears dedicated loyal and honorable, commits suicide and believes the lies she is told about her self, beneath the surface of these characters, lies complex motives and twisted logic, which makes singling them out as honorable or dishonorable, nearly impossible, as they are very human, and humans are rarely one or the

    Read More

  • Titus Livius: The Early History of Rome

    1126 Words  | 3 Pages

    While Romulus is credited for exemplifying many of Rome;’s fundamental values, his reign over Rome is one that is infamous for its abundant bloodshed, violence against Rome’s neighbouring cities and demonstrations of his accumulated power. In comparison to Romulus’ rule, King Numa Pompilius reign is filled with undisturbed peace and coexistence in Rome and its neighbouring communities. Romulus often resorts to utilizing methods like violence or deceit to achieve his aspirations for the glory of Rome. One of the very first of Romulus’ acts of violence “to obtain sole power” (Livy 37) is to brutally murder his own twin brother, Remus in an angry fit of rage. The murder of Remus is a reflection of Romulus’ violent, ruthless nature and demonstrates the drastic measures he will go to achieve ultimate power. “To increase the dignity and impressiveness of his [ki...

    Read More

  • Gladiator: Commodus A Tragic Hero

    923 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...they didn’t like the way he ruled(Movie). They thought Commodus was great at first, he was a young emperor and ordered 150 days of gladiatorial games in remembrance of his father. After a while people soon got bored with this, as anyone would.

    Read More

  • Maximus and Odysseus

    1105 Words  | 3 Pages

    Maximus’ continuing acts of selfless heroism and putting his life at stake for those who betrayed him make him great. His first act of selflessness occurred when he agreed to help out Commodus’ sister, who knowingly let his child, wife, and almost himself be slain. He forgives her and agrees to meet with her senator to help give Rome back. His second act of selflessness occurred when he battled in the arena taking on 5 enemies while the other slaves stayed in the back of the entryway.

    Read More

  • The Moral Ambiguity of Julius Caesar

    812 Words  | 2 Pages

    Caesar’s eyes, he put aside an issue concerning him to serve Rome as king which shows he had good intentions. Additionally, Julius Caesar is a generous individual. Even in death, Caesar conti...

    Read More

  • Julius Caesar Honor Quotes

    576 Words  | 2 Pages

    The idea of ignorance, and the belief of a false faith, turns this noble man into a vulgar grave, with virtuous notions. Brutus’ ignorance creates an expectation that develops a path that leads him awry. When Brutus mentions, “I would not love Cassius; yet I love him well” (1.2.81-88 ), he portrays his internal conflict. Brutus depicts the struggle between Cassius’ acquisitions and Caesar’s actions.

    Read More

  • The Effect Of Emperor Augustus Caesar's Effect On Western Civilization

    702 Words  | 2 Pages

    Augustus Caesar was very ambitious leader. He is best known for bringing peace to Rome. Augustus was considered the first great roman emperor, because He didn’t care about wealth and fortune. Augustus cared about the people of Rome. He was a great military leader and was successful in most of his missions. He showed people that being a good ruler requires a lot of hard work and dedication. He was a very generous man. Augustus was greatly admired by the Roman people.

    Read More

  • Martius And Menenius Character Traits

    532 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the beginning of the play Caius Marius, a partisan general and war hero is portrayed as a courageous of man of action, though he is uncomfortable with words and political dealings. He is described a proud man of deep integrity who dislikes being praised for what he has done as he refuses monetary awards. Caius Martius prefers to be honored for his achievements by being given a high office rather than being applauded and praised, however his lack of social skills prevents him from achieving this. Plebeians believe that Caius Martius, one of the most distinguished generals of the state, is their main enemy; if they kill him, they believe they will get the liberties they desire.

    Read More

  • Example Of The Revenge Plot In The Film Gladiator

    391 Words  | 1 Pages

    Consequently, the audience will want to see the transgression corrected. In “Gladiator,” decorated general Maximus Decimus Meridias has been named keeper of Rome by the dying emperor Marcus Aurelias.

    Read More

  • The Life of a Gladiator

    1998 Words  | 4 Pages

    The life of a gladiator could be a grueling life unless you were the best and never lost. Gladiators fought in events known as gladiatorial games. The first gladiatorial games were recorded in 310 BCE. The first Gladiatorial games were not held in the huge coliseums we see today. Instead they were most likely held to entertain a powerful person or ruler. Gladiatorial combat originated as a religious event to honor the dead, victory of an important battle, a sacrifice to the gods, or to honor the death of someone in a high standing position. The first Roman Gladiatorial games were held in 246 BCE to honor Marcus and Decimus Brutus. ("Life of a Gladiator") These games started an era of gladiatorial events that would last for nearly a century to come.

    Read More

  • Julius Caesar Ambition

    798 Words  | 2 Pages

    The ambition possessed by each character, leads Caesar, Brutus, and Cassius to power. It will be the same ambition, that quest for power, that makes each one susceptible to their own weakness. For Caesar, it will be his ego and inability to heed warnings, Brutus his love of Rome, and Cassius his dedication to power. These qualities prove that although intentions may be noble, ambition can make a person ruthless and blind them to their original goals. Ambition kills those who lose sight of their conscience and although it may prove beneficial in many instances, in this case, it leads the characters to lose all that they

    Read More

  • Film Analysis Of Gladiator

    1460 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Scene begins with a high angle extreme long shot of about one quarter of the inside of the colosseum. Roman guards surround Maximus as he stands over the body of the defeated Commodus. Here, the graphic blocking of the guards represents Maximus’s enslavement and further reminds the viewer of the futility of his situation. After all,

    Read More

  • The Movie Gladiator Leadership Style

    1713 Words  | 4 Pages

    The expectancy theory proposes an individual will behave or act in a certain way because they are motivated to select a specific behavior over other behaviors due to what they expect the result of that selected behavior will be. In essence, the motivation of the behavior selection is determined by how much one desires the outcome to be. This is shown when Maximus is initially recognized as a supreme gladiator by his owner Proximo, the man who taught him how to fight as a gladiator. Proximo took great interest in Maximus’ abilities and encourages him to go to the Roman Coliseum to fight for his freedom. Proximo advises him that if he is able to “win the crowd”, he will earn their respect and eventually his freedom. Performance to Outcome poses the question on whether success will lead to reward. The reward in this case would be after successfully winning battles, and the crowds’ favor, Maximus would gain his freedom and seize his opportunity to kill Commodus. Maximus’ strong desire of vengeance for the murder of his family drives him to win every battle he comes up against. Infuriated by Maximus’ success, Commodus sets up a fixed fight between Maximus and Tigris of Gaul, the undefeated gladiator. Maximus prevails in the battle and against Commodus’ orders, spares Tigris’ life. Maximus’ defiance of the emperor and mercy to Tigris made him more popular to the crowd than even Commodus

    Read More

More about Maximus 'Honor In The Movie The Gladiator'

Open Document