Motif
inversion of luxury into shame or bondage
inversion_of_luxury_into_shame_or_bondage
A motif of the Pride, Hubris, and Downfall family, within the sub-family Wealth, Luxury, and Greed. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.
1 occurrences
1 traditions
greek
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The Republic The Republic / THE REPUBLIC / INTRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS.; lines 8316-8399 confidence: high
Utopian citizens have no silver or gold of their own but pay mercenaries with them; gold is used for criminal fetters, and diamonds and pearls for children’s necklaces.
Gold and jewels are assigned low-status uses in Utopia, so ambassadors’ luxury display is interpreted as shameful, servile, childish, or foolish.
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