English 1

Mitchell B. Flaherty
Ms. Devaney
English 1

Position Paper on the Punishment of Narcissus
Narcissus has committed the sin of vanity. After he told Ameinius to commit suicide to prove his love, he insulted and rejected Echo, and later upon taking a drink from a pool, he saw his reflection and fell in love with it. Echo is now dead in all but name and Narcissus has committed the sin of vanity. He must not be permitted to escape punishment, for if he does others will seek to imitate him and expect the same leniency.
The delegation of Dionysus believes that the most fitting punishment for this crime would be to turn those who once loved him mad and cause them to pluck out his eyes. This will ensure that he will never again see what he loves most and will forever mar visage, a fitting punishment for vanity.
The delegation of Dionysus believes that the most fitting punishment for Narcissus would be for his eyes to be plucked out. For the crime of vanity, not being able to see himself and to mar his visage would be a fitting punishment. Narcissus must not be permitted to escape punishment, he has been vain and if we show him mercy, others will follow and expect leniency as well.