Wallace's Criticism Of Herodotus Writing Style

It would seem that Wallace 's comments are grandiloquence as he suggests "Herodotus whole account of Kleomenes is notoriously hostile and unsatisfactory" Wallace (1954: 35). However, Wallace 's comments would seem unfair as Herodotus writing style and lifestyle is much more different to Wallace 's. However, one will explore the writings of Herodotus in regards to Wallace 's comments to find out if indeed Wallace was fair in his assertion of Herodotus story of Kleomenes or not. Furthermore, one explorer styles of writing and particular how it may capture the attention of the reader.

With all ancient historians, they all share one thing in common they have their own opinions in their own writings. They try to keep to the truth of matter. However,

para, 9). In addition, Lateiner states that "|Herodotos knows when to deploy short, choppy phrases, when to deploy long, sinuous clauses, and when to display both types in a period that produces a powerful emotional effect. This literary intensity graphically portrays Spartan ferocity against enemies and their own men". Lateiner (2002: 369)This is clear from the way Herodotus writes, he uses emotions For example, Herodotus tells us that Aristagoras tried to bribe Kleomenes; he offered him ten talents, which Kleomenes turned down. However, Aristagoras kept increasing the offer, until it reached fifty talents. Here Herodotus show us that Kleomenes turned down the offer however, as the money, increases he does not say whether or not he continued to turn do the money. However, considering this, would not the audience assume that he continued to turn down the money? Herodotus style of writing may not be prefect and is full of twists, turns, and a lot of missing information but really is it really missing or is it Wallace and others missing the point. On the other hand, Lateiner does suggest, "Herodotus slowly builds up the intensity of the sentence, arranging the words, clauses, and the narrative of the event itself" Lateiner (2002: 367) have it right? Furthermore, the story continues

Wallace may believe that Herodotus should write about themes that interest him. More so, Herodotus holds a "position of authority" within his writing while as a "writer assume a more informal stance with their audience and judges them to be less knowledgeable" Kirsch (1991:42). Herodotus shows that he has a sense of the audience by readjusting his writings to reflect