Student’s Name
Instructor
Course
Date
A reflective essay on book 2 “Alexandros”
Gates of Fire is a historical fiction book written by Steven Pressfield with a focus on the famous Battle of Thermopylae. It shows the way the Spartans led the native Greeks force detained the invading army of the Persian Empire for many days at bay (Pressfield). However, the Greek troops became prominent for their sacrifice and boldness regardless of their defeat at last. The book is surrounded by a structure of interviews between the members of the Persian court and wounded Greek wounded soldier, Xeones. It also shows a flashback of Xeones relates his life among the Spartans, his home city and the battle that was ongoing. This text gives a reflection of the book, Gates of Fire.
This book shows the corruption and the critics of influential individuals as seen in the world today. The Phokian Wall where the battle took place was neither constructed by the Spartans nor the allies in the fight. The Spartans repossessed it, yet it was built by the Lokris and Phokis inhabitants for their security against the invasions of their northern neighbours. Later, the Spartans established a camp between the hillock and the Phokian wall where the war took place.
The book also reflects on inhumanity on the inferior people evident in our societies. The author describes how he was captured at 12 years as a heliokekaumenos. He was enslaved after being rejected to the war because of his physical impairments. He indicates that he lived like a dog, but by luck, he recognized for the service of Alexandros. Even though he was grateful for the job, he was enslaved by working on every task to make Alexandros free for his training and the battle.
In conclusion, the Gates of Fire is a historical fiction book that is centred on the Battle of Thermopylae. It describes the events during the war between the Greeks and the Persian Empire army. It gives a flashback of Xeones’ lifestyle. The book also shows slavery among the powerless during the Thermopylae war.
References
Pressfield, Steven. Gates of fire: An epic novel of the battle of Thermopylae. Bantam, 1999.