Question

How does the initial interaction between Dionysius and Pythias affect the story?

Answer 1

  The initial interaction between Dionysius and Pythias  sets the stage for Dionysius to learn a lesson about the value of loyalty and friendship as he saw Damon willingly risk his life by taking his place in the execution to let his friend go to his home to set his affairs in order. During Damon´s time in prison he was the happiest prisoner although everyone condemned his behaviour as rush and foolhardy.

 Dionysus was amaze when the execution day arrives because Damon would be happy of die for his friend Pythias is he didn´t return from his house miles away. But in the last second Pythias arrived to took his place in the execution but then an argue between Damon and Pythias started to decide which one would die that day. Each one did not want to see his friend dead. This debate showed Dionysius a loyalty and friendship he had never seen in his life and he decided to let both friends free. This action showed that he learn a lesson because earlier in the text it said that Dionysius is a cruel ruler of Syracuse and that he often abused of his power. In fact he condemned Pythias to die because he spoke against him.