Gobbets

Question 1

Step 1

Answer 1

Contextualise the passage:
“This passage comes from the beginning of Thucydides History and explains the reasons for the outbreak of war between Athens and Sparta. As such it offers an important framework for understanding Thucydides work as a whole. In later episodes, such as the Sicilian Expedition, Thucydides will repeat this division of true and alleged causes for action.”

Question 2

Step 2

Answer 2

Examining the language:
“Thucydides also shows his sympathy for Athens by pointing out that the Athenians cleverly forced the Spartans to fight when the Spartans didn’t want to.”

Question 3

Step 3

Answer 3

No formal conclusion BUT can round off quickly if wanted, ie. “Thus passage from the beginning of Thucydides work therefore points forward to many themes we will see later”