Aristotle vs. Spider-Man

Like any other writer, Aristotle was stuck in his own time period. His lifestyle, culture and ideas were grounded in those created by ancient Greece. Much has changed since he wrote On Rhetoric in the fourth century B.C.E. Reading this work from the perspective of historical criticism reveals much about the text; however, we can make comparisons between some of his ideas and those of our current society.

Some of Aristotle’s beliefs angered me as a contemporary reader, even though these beliefs were commonly held during his time. For example, in chapter 9 of Book One, Aristotle states, “And the virtues and actions who are superior by nature are more honorable, for example, those of a man more than those of a woman” (78). In ancient Greece, women were presumed to be weaker in mind, body and spirit compared to men. They truly felt that a female was a lesser human being than a male. This concept is absurd to me as a woman living in the 21st century. However, I do sometimes wonder if some of the old men in Congress still hold Aristotle’s view when they believe they can tell me what to do with my body through law.

Other concepts seem to clash with modern society’s views. Aristotle felt that it was a good thing to seek vengeance upon an enemy. Aristotle tells his audience, “And to be revenged is pleasurable” (89). His society was extremely competitive, and no one wanted to be embarrassed or shamed in Athens. Looking at the 2012 film, The Amazing Spider-Man, shows us that this view is looked down upon now. In the film, Peter Parker plays a prank on his high school bully after gaining superhuman powers. He has fun, and indeed getting revenge is pleasurable. However, he gets in trouble with his Uncle Ben, who is not impressed with Peter’s actions. Uncle Ben tells Peter that it is not honorable to do harm to others, no matter what they have done to us in the past. Peter had saved face and showed his school that he is tougher and better than Flash, but in the end, he feels guilty for acting so rashly.

In Book Two, Aristotle asserts that one does not fear becoming unjust (128). Peter Parker does fear this occurrence, though. He has gained new power, and he realizes that he might abuse it. Even though Aristotle goes on to say in Chapter 17 that power is a good thing because it makes men manlier, as well as more ambitious, dignified and earnest (155), Peter must be wary of his power. In today’s society, many of us are suspicious of those in power. We have seen many who abuse it, turning something potentially positive into a negative thing after taking advantage of people. In the comic books, Uncle Ben tells Peter, “With great power comes great responsibility.” I do not feel Aristotle touched much on that subject. He saw power as a good thing, but Peter understands that it can turn him into something unjust and detrimental to his society.

We must take these differences in times and societies into consideration in order to focus on what is truly important in Aristotle’s work. Yes, he was limited by ancient Greece’s views, but once we identify the areas in which we no longer believe, we can make peace with them and learn from his style of speaking and writing to help our own.

Aristotle. On Rhetoric. Ed. and translated by Kennedy, George A. Oxford University Press, NY: 2007.

The Amazing Spider-Man #1 Trailer. YouTube. 2012. Web.