Maximus 'Honor In The Movie The Gladiator'

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The General Who Became A slave A Slave Who Defied An Emperor

In the movie “The Gladiator” directected by Ridley Scott, he displays through the actions of Maximus (the Emperor’s general) what it means to be a great leader. And he uses Commodus the Emperor’s son to show the traits of a bad leader. In the movie Commodus kills his father to become Emperor and ordered Maximus and his family to be killed. Maximus survives, but is turned into a gladiator slave and opposes the Emperor using his fame and popularity from the games. Because Maximus inspires people through respect, love and honor he is shown as a great leader, compared to Commodus who is the complete opposite of him.

Honor is one of the main reasons why Maximus was a great leader. When the Emperor Marcus Aurelius gave Maximus the final task of giving Rome back to itself, Maximus put the emperor’s orders above all else. Maximus’ honor was best shown when he was face to face with Commedus. Instead of getting his vengeance for the murder of his son and wife, he put his duty over revenge because if he killed Commedus he would not be able to carry out Caesar’s last order. …show more content…

In the movie Maximus’ love for his family drove him to survive to exact his vengeance. Maximus also loved the Emperor like a father so he wanted to kill Commodus for murdering him. Commedus’ love on the other hand promoted hatred. Commodus loves his sister Lucilla, this is obvious by the way he speaks to her and his hatred towards Maximus, whoem she had always loved. As well as love, respect is another important component to great

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