I wanted to look at the main characters, how they were described and why they matter.
2. Passage Analyzed
My section was Alma 47-53, but I wanted to focus on Amalickiah usurping the king of the Lamanites.
3. Annotated Text
4. Breakdown/Listing of things found
The king must have been very harsh and overbearing. He doesn't talk to the people, just sends proclamations. His subjects are scared of him and run away from him. He tries to compel them and only has few followers. However, Amalickiah is described as cunning, inspiring and one who commits a lot of fraud. The people elect him and recognize him as their king. He talks to the people directly and gains favor of the entire population.
5. Interpretation.
The king of the Lamanites and Amalickiah had the exact same goal: to be ruler over all the people including both the Lamanites and the Nephites. The king of the Lamanites was not successful because of the Ethos that was presented. He was overbearing, commanding and did not talk to the people. They did not trust him because of it. On the other hand, Amalickiah goes with the people, inspires them through his cunning and wisdom. He thinks through the entire plan to become the king. In so doing, he accomplishes what his predecessor dreamed of. He inspired the people to go against the Nephites, rather than compeled them. His character and what the people saw him as made all the difference.
6. Connections/Questions
How many leaders in the Book of Mormon were successful in inspiring their subjects because of Ethos- because of the way they portrayed themselves? Is inspiring people more successful than compelling them every case? Does fear motivate them or faith?
I wrote about the character development of Captain Moroni, and as I read your post I realized that some of the same traits of inspiring leadership are common to both the most wicked and the most righteous leaders.
ReplyDeleteCan i just say that this chapter and Amalickiah always reminds me of the Lion King song: I just can't wait to be king.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting, the role of Amalickiah as a leader. I feel as a character he very much portrays Satan, and satan's influences. We see that it was easier for the people to follow him because he was so "likeable," even when they didn't know how evil he was. We can see as Clark mentioned in his post about Captain Moroni, and how he can portray the leadership role as of like the Savior. He was one to lift and inspire and support.
It is interesting to see the thread throughout the book of mormon, of how the people are influenced by their king--whether he be righteous of wicked. It is undeniable their influence.