Collins 2
Adam Collins
Professor Schwa
History of Civilization
1/23/2020
A clash of civilizations - whether occu
ing among states, nations, or different groups within a nation or state would best define “war”. Existent since biblical times, war has only transpired more prominently and bloodily throughout the years; Conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian crisis and India v. Pakistan are just a couple of issues that society sees still to this day. In order to comprehend the principle of war, examination of sources is necessary to determine not only causes, but all that is encompassed with fighting.
Written in the fourth and fifth centuries, was an actual old, delicate letter “On posting a young soldier.” From the form of this source, this powerful, firsthand documentation serves as an excellent primary source capturing the effects of war: the unknown - will he return alive? This letter exhibits a relationship between two
others, in which one was sent off to war. Written on old papyrus, this signifies not only how old it was, but the idea of letter-writing has not changed even to this day. Sending letters has developed further with mail trucks, post offices, stamps, and security, but the intention of sending a letter to a loved one retained. Interpreting this documentation, the purpose was to address a
other who has been posted with the Egyptian army. The author’s message was to showcase an unconditional bond from one
other to another. “I urge you,
other, to write to me about your safety, since I heard at antinoopolis that there has been plague in your neighbourhood” (B.P. Grenfell, p.132). This message is both explicit and implicit. In regards to expressing concern for safety within the letter, would be classified as explicit. Referencing A
aham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the letter is implicit for readers as it provides our own sense of ‘love and belonging’ that society seeks to have and be reciprocated (wishing no harm to come to that person) - the unknown - writing this letter and it may be implied that the
other addressed to, could be already dead unfortunately.
We don’t know the author specifically or any info such as Race, sex, class, occupation, religion, age, region, political beliefs, but this source documents war in the sense that one may never see their relative again. With analysis of the letter, it appears to not be target towards an intended audience as the co
espondence is between two people. Now that it is public, it may open the possibility of sharing the same effect felt when the author wrote it to a reader of the letter. “...I was not able to visit you.” carefully reading the text the diction of the author presents a deep sadness and longing for his
other. The author does not choose to talk in depth particularly about whatever troubles are happening that the
other soldier may be experiencing.
As a historical, descriptive piece of evidence among two ordinary people, this represents the harshness of conflict - having to spend time away from a significant one and not hear from them. A possible question that could be asked of the source - why was it written (more specifically what plague is being referenced within the letter?) The limitations of this source are transparent, as this document was dated back to fourth and fifth century Egypt.
As a letter between a soldier and a family member in Egypt, it is apparent that through analysis there is a universal understanding on the idea of war and fighting for a country, but also simultaneously the people who go off to fight may not return. This letter serves as a concrete example of that.