Write a short essay exploring Roosevelt's comparison of the ideal citizen to a Roman gladiator. Why do you think Roosevelt chose
this particular allusion to make his point about the way people should conduct their lives and participate in a democracy? Was his comparison an effective one? Why or why not? (You may want to use your notes about Roosevelt's life to help you write your essay.)
Roosevelt chose this allusion to show that it is important for people to believe in democracy and fight for it, despite the possibility of failure.
<h3>How does he establish this point of view?</h3>
He claims that Roman gladiators believed so much in winning their battles that they devoted themselves entirely to it, not knowing whether they would succeed or not.
In this case, ordinary citizens who believe in democracy should do the same and dedicate themselves to democratic concepts, even if there are flaws.
According to him, this dedication establishes the will to make the system successful and work to strengthen it.
He made this comparison to show that it is important for a democratic society to recognize its weaknesses and actively participate in the attempt to minimize them and not just criticize them.
<h3>Essay Structure on Roosevelt's Comparison</h3>
Introduction: Explain how the comparison was made.
Body: Explain how American society fits into this comparison and how effective it has been in determining how people should dedicate themselves to the democratic system and the personal goals they have.
Conclusion: Show if today's society has followed Roosevelt's advice and dedicated itself to fighting the mistakes of what they most believe in to succeed.
