2/11/12

In my class on the American Civil War, we discussed the attack on Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner by South Carolina Representative Preston Brooks. After delivering a speech insulting the South, Charles Sumner was beat to near death by Brooks. In his defense when tried, Brooks stated that he was protecting the honor of  not only his state but of his family. I find this event is similar to situation in Book 1 of the Iliad when Achilles' honor is threatened by Agamemnon; although Preston Brooks didn't have Athena come down and stop him. It is interesting to see in later periods how people still hold self-honor to be one of the most important things in their lives.