city. That would have made Socrates a liar about what he was teaching all along. Even though the students and friends were crying and grieving over Socrates’ death, Socrates was not comforting them or fleeing to another city. Socrates was just teaching them his strong belief in justice and loyalty to the government. This was very devastating to his friends.Indeed, this painting was, and still is so dramatic! To think that one’s beliefs can be so concrete that they would pay the price with their life shows complete integrity. Socrates was tremendously brave to drink the poison and die instead of fleeing with his friends. The respect he must have had for his government is beyond belief. By drinking the hemlock and ending his life, Socrates made a lasting impression upon his students. Socrates’ students now could maybe go to other places and spread his great wisdom. If Socrates would have renounced his beliefs or fled to another city, this amazing work of art would not exist today. ...
