The most easily identifiable and regularly experienced emotion, Anger, defines the plot of the movie, Gladiator. However, the emotional journey of Maximus, fueled by anger and revenge, starkly contrasts that of Commodus’ sister, Lucilla. Characterized by her calmness, Lucilla acts justly and honorably despite slights from both her father and her brother. So, what allows Lucilla to remain calm when others find themselves brimming with anger, hatred and the desire for revenge? Initially, Marcus Aurelius insults his daughter, Lucilla, by acknowledging that she would make a great Caesar, but neglects to grant her any authority on account of her gender. Lucilla, however, remains calm and shows no sign of anger at this insult. Firstly, Lucilla
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Aristotle, in Rhetoric, book 2.1-3, would validate Lucilla’s anger towards her brother. However, she fails to react angrily, but for a moment. After hitting her brother, she immediately backs down, and engages him with respect. Lucilla reveres the title her brother holds, namely the Emperor of Rome. Since she understands her inferiority, she treats him with the respect the title commands. Her brief moment of anger, despite her inferiority, proves justified because her brother was not the emperor when he slayed their father. In a moment of anger, she hits him for the misdeed that he committed when they were equals. But immediately afterwards, she becomes calm because he no longer is her equal, but her superior. Furthermore, because she knows her brother and knows of his lust for power, she is not entirely surprised by this deed. Commodus, now the Emperor of Rome, superior to all, may “slight” whomever he pleases. According to Aristotle, the only people who may feel angry with Commodus are those who believe they ought to be respected by the Emperor, such as Maximus. Furthermore, Lucilla feels that ultimately, the success and wellbeing of her son hinges on her ability to stay calm. Lastly, Aristotle addresses that if the wrongdoer experiences justice or suffering at the hands of another, the wronged may feel at ease. In accordance with this, upon Maximus’ return, Lucilla foresees that he will bring justice to Commodus and thus abides
Aristotle, in Rhetoric, book 2.1-3, would validate Lucilla’s anger towards her brother. However, she fails to react angrily, but for a moment. After hitting her brother, she immediately backs down, and engages him with respect. Lucilla reveres the title her brother holds, namely the Emperor of Rome. Since she understands her inferiority, she treats him with the respect the title commands. Her brief moment of anger, despite her inferiority, proves justified because her brother was not the emperor when he slayed their father. In a moment of anger, she hits him for the misdeed that he committed when they were equals. But immediately afterwards, she becomes calm because he no longer is her equal, but her superior. Furthermore, because she knows her brother and knows of his lust for power, she is not entirely surprised by this deed. Commodus, now the Emperor of Rome, superior to all, may “slight” whomever he pleases. According to Aristotle, the only people who may feel angry with Commodus are those who believe they ought to be respected by the Emperor, such as Maximus. Furthermore, Lucilla feels that ultimately, the success and wellbeing of her son hinges on her ability to stay calm. Lastly, Aristotle addresses that if the wrongdoer experiences justice or suffering at the hands of another, the wronged may feel at ease. In accordance with this, upon Maximus’ return, Lucilla foresees that he will bring justice to Commodus and thus abides