Jose TorresWorld Literature9/8/17Reading Response 1To what extent if any, are the following characters responsible for Esfandyar’s death? Who is most responsible? a) Esfandyar; b) Rostam; c) Goshtrap; d) the simurgh         Throughout the story of Esfandyar written by Ferdowsi, there are multiple times that Esfandyar is placed in situations of grave danger and given difficult tasks to accomplish. Esfandyar ultimately meets his doom and faces death at the end of one of his tasks. The question posed asks who is responsible for Esfandyar’s ultimate demise, and the answer to this question is “all of the above”. Each character the question brings up, is  partly responsible for Esfandyar’s death including, Esfandyar himself.        Esfandyar is the one who places himself in situations of danger and is the one who ultimately leads himself to his death. Esfandyar had the opportunity to deny his father’s request knowing that the task given to him, to go and defeat Rostam, is one of great risk and would most likely result in his death. Yet Esfandyar does not take this opportunity and instead says “I am yours to command, and I will carry out your wishes”(71) Esfandyar goes into this task with knowing that it will be a difficult one, but because he is to committed to pleasing his father he proceeds. His loyalty is tested once again and has a second opportunity to deny his father but instead says to Rostam, “If I disobey my father I give up both the crown and the throne of Persia… that I will never do, so prepare for combat!” (75). These decisions by Esfandyar are heroic to some extent by being committed to his father but also, unfortunately and tragically result in his death.        Rostam is also to blame by playing the role of physically killing Esfandyar. Rostam had been battling with Esfandyar and finally was able to defeat him when he “swiftly as clouds before a storm, raised his bow, took aim, and released the fatal arrow” (75) Rostam is the one responsible for being the actual perpetrator as he was the one to fatally wound Esfandyar by piercing his eyes. Even though Rostam is the one who fired the arrow, he did not act alone. Rostam had the help of the simurgh. The simurgh provided Rostam with the advice needed to defeat Esfandyar, the simurgh explained to Rostam that “except for his eyes, Esfandyar’s body cannot be injured by weapons” and that his “arrowheads will pierce [Esfandyar’s] eyes, giving him a fatal wound”(75) Altough both the simurgh and Rostam are physically responsible for killing Esfandyar, they are the the ones who are to blame the most.
In the story of Esfandyar, written by Ferdowsi, the question of who is responsible for Esfandyar’s death is explored. The content suggests that all the characters mentioned – Esfandyar himself, Rostam, Goshtrap, and the simurgh – bear some responsibility for Esfandyar’s demise.
Esfandyar, the main character, is portrayed as someone who willingly places himself in dangerous situations. Despite knowing the risks involved, he accepts his father’s request to defeat Rostam. Esfandyar’s loyalty to his father is commendable, but it ultimately leads him to his death. He also has a second opportunity to avoid the confrontation with Rostam, but once again chooses to honor his father’s wishes. This commitment to his father, while heroic in some sense, tragically results in his demise.
Rostam, another central character, is responsible for physically killing Esfandyar. After engaging in battle with him, Rostam finally manages to defeat Esfandyar by fatally wounding him with an arrow. Although Rostam is the one who fired the arrow, he did not act alone. He had the assistance of the simurgh, a mythical bird creature, who provided him with the knowledge needed to defeat Esfandyar. The simurgh informs Rostam that only Esfandyar’s eyes are vulnerable and advises him to aim for them. This guidance leads to the fatal wound.
While both Rostam and the simurgh are physically responsible for killing Esfandyar, they are arguably the ones who bear the most blame. Rostam’s actions directly result in Esfandyar’s death, and the simurgh’s advice facilitates this outcome. However, it is important to note that Esfandyar’s own choices and actions also contribute to his demise. By willingly accepting dangerous tasks and refusing to back down, he plays a significant role in his own downfall.
Overall, the responsibility for Esfandyar’s death can be attributed to all the characters mentioned. Each character’s actions and decisions, including Esfandyar’s own choices, contribute to the tragic outcome.
In the epic Persian tale, Rostam and the simurgh both play pivotal roles in the demise of Esfandyar, although it can be argued that they bear the most blame. Rostam’s direct actions ultimately lead to Esfandyar’s death. As a renowned warrior, Rostam is aware of Esfandyar’s invincibility, yet he engages in a battle with him, knowing that it will result in Esfandyar’s demise. This deliberate act of aggression demonstrates Rostam’s role in the tragedy.
Additionally, the simurgh, a mythical bird with immense wisdom, provides advice to Rostam that facilitates Esfandyar’s downfall. By encouraging Rostam to engage in battle with Esfandyar, the simurgh indirectly contributes to the fatal outcome. The simurgh’s counsel, although well-intentioned, ultimately leads to the tragic end of Esfandyar.
However, it is important to acknowledge that Esfandyar’s own choices and actions also contribute significantly to his demise. Esfandyar willingly accepts dangerous tasks and refuses to back down, driven by his desire to prove his strength and bravery. His relentless pursuit of challenging feats ultimately leads him to confront Rostam, sealing his fate.
In conclusion, the responsibility for Esfandyar’s death lies with all the characters involved. Rostam’s direct actions and the simurgh’s advice play crucial roles in the tragedy, but Esfandyar’s own choices and actions also contribute to his downfall. The complex interplay of these characters’ decisions and actions creates a tragic outcome that underscores the themes of fate, heroism, and the consequences of pride in the epic tale.