Gorgia's "Encomiumof Helen": Why Helen Did Not Start the Trojan War.

Gorgia’s Encomium of Helen is the most famous rhetoric writing from the fifth century. The writing is attempting to persuade its audience that it is not Helens fault for the start of the Trojan War due to the fact that she had no control over her actions. One of the first points discussed was that the Gods from the Greek culture control every aspect of human life, so how can one person control their actions or decisions if it is already predetermined. Another point discussed is the possibility that she was raped and had no part in being seduced by the Trojan Prince Paris. If she was assaulted then once again she had no control over what was happening and that she should not be held accountable for these actions of starting a war. Also the power of speech or persuasion was discussed as an excuse for her not being able to control the war that was created.  Possibly the Trojan Prince Paris persuaded her with fear telling her that if she didn’t obey his wishes he would kill her husband the King of Sparta. Throughout the entire text Gorgia is giving logical excuses to why the Trojan War started but not at the fault of Helen. But the only way theses arguments are logical is if you have the same beliefs. One example is that if you are a particularly religious person then you might be willing to agree that the Gods predetermined Helen’s actions and behavior and the Trojan did not occur because of her but it was for legitimate reasons that only the Greek Gods could understand. Another example if you are against rape you aren’t going to blame Helen because she was hurt sexually and that does take an emotional and critical toll on someone’s mind. Lastly, the idea of persuasion and using fear to make her (Helen) comply with what he (Trojan Prince Paris) wants and she cannot control this because she doesn’t want her husband to be harmed because she loves him. This speech of Gorgia’s is a personal opinion on how he believes that Helen is not at fault and that he wanted to write a speech that “praise of Helen and a diversion to myself”. Meaning he wanted to not only give Helen positive credit but to show his talent he has with writing in a rhetoric format.

Holly Demaree