Semiramis asks Ribat, “What do you do when you want something you know you can’t have?” He says he thinks of the bad consequences that will ensue. What did you think of this advice? Why do you suppose it didn’t help Semiramis? What advice would you have given her?
I agree that it is wise to weigh the consequences of your actions. I think Semiramis didn’t think her actions would result in severe consequences even though she had suffered from them in the past. I think she felt that it was better to be bold and risky than to remain in the same place. She did consider that she should not further her relationship with Nunus while she was married to Onnes, but Nunus took that decision from her when he asked Onnes to let him marry her. If Onnes agreed, Nunus promised to give him his daughter to marry.
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I frequently remember the maxim “Do what you want, but pay the price,” implying that if accepted morals don’t prohibit certain behaviors, then bad outcomes should be accepted. So Ribat gave Semiramis good advice since her ambition was so evident. This advice also considers how strong the inclination can be to do wrong, making it a warning of the consequences.
I agree with Patricia that the decision was taken out of her hands, once again showing the perils of helplessness.
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I agree with the advice. My parents would say “if you do the crime, you must pay the price.”
I think Simiramis had a history of taking bold actions and getting what she wanted. She did not think about those that might be hurt by her actions. For example, when she lied about her adopted father, it was his son that was disappointed, hurt and shocked by her actions. I don’t think she thought about her adopted brother when she did what she did.
I will give her credit that if she did not take bold actions, then she would never have achieved what she did.
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