Chreia's, Maxim's and the Persuasive Essay

Confirmation of the Story of William Tell

Poets get their inspiration from the higher level of thinking awarded to mankind. He that argues with the poets, is in essence, trying to equate mankind with the lower level of thinking held by the beasts of the earth. If you argue with the poets then you argue with the very level of thinking awarded to us over animals. As I read "The Story of William Tell," it causes me to appreciate this higher level of thinking, and and say to myself, "You can do great things as well."

Why is it hard to believe that Tell would be the only resistance? It is only logical that if a tyrant rules, only a man of great courage would even think to ignore his commands. Wouldn't it take a brave man to stand up in the face of death? Only Tell stood up, because he is not a good man, but it is clear that he is a great one.

Tell was punished by a test of skill. Rebellions are best crushed by putting the leader to shame, rather than martyring him. The leader of a rebellion is a spearhead; if a spearhead is broken the spear is useless. Gessler is trying to break the point off this spear of rebellion, so that that instead of a weapon they instead become a blunt stick.Gessler wanted to humiliate Tell with his own skill, therefore he advertised the punishment as a contest, in order to bring more people to the event. An execution, or even a punishment, will not interest people as much as a test of skill. A crowd would rather watch a test of skill than an unfair punishment.

Instead of losing a loved one, Tell would rather take a calculated risk. A father who knows there is no other plausible chance of saving his son would risk a "mere flesh wound." No man who who would risk his son's life is a father who thinks there is another viable option. Tell was willing to risk the world, because he realized the difference between the metaphoric, "cutting off his arm" or a possibile scratch, and he was willing to risk a minor abrasion in order to save his son. Fathers always want to keep their sons safe, and in situations where they are put to the test, they will always quote the famous proverb, "Never tell me the odds." The only reason Tell was willing to risk his son's life was because that was the only way to save it.

Some say Tell should have shot Gessler with his arrow. A man does not threaten an enemy leader whilst still surrounded by his soldiers. Tell knew that if he sent his arrow into Gessler's brain with a crunch, plop, squelch, and a KER-SPLAT, that he would forfeit his son and himself, so he instead trusted his skills.

The story says that people cheered when Tell hit the apple, splattering juice on their faces like a warm and welcome rain. People always cheer when an innocent life is saved by extreme skill and daring. Tell saved his son in the most daring way possible, and the people were justified in cheering.

Tell threatened Gessler, not foolishly, but strategically. It is not foolhardy to threaten an entity more powerful than yourself, but a calculated act by which to instill hope in a crushed people. An arrow is only as strong as the bow behind it. For an arrow that cannot be fired is as useful as a twig in the forest under the glittering multifaceted expanse of Artemis. This poor arrow is like Tell, it will challenge it's enemy in order to gain a following that can wound him.

Be not as the audience of Tell, who were not brave enough to take their own stand, but rally behind this awesome story, crush those who oppose it! Rise to the call of Tell, and conquer!