Dialectic Journals- Book Seven

"...they were one rumor away from terror, and one perceived prodigy from panic." I think the author is trying to bring the reader into the book and also give them insight on how the other army (the Persians) are feeling at that moment during the war. The point of this quote is to explain how afraid the Persians are currently feeling and how close they are to breaking from the strain of war and terror. The Persians have just finished the first half of the battle, and have witnessed how strong and powerful the Spartans are, and have endured a whole day of watching them slay thousands of their men. At this point they are so scared that one rumor (probably about more warriors coming to overtake them) or one "perceived prodigy" (an omen that may mean that they will all be killed or bring bad luck) would throw them into pandemonium, and terror. They are so scared that anything will throw them off the edge. I felt a connection to this quote because I too have felt that close to the edge of breaking that the slightest thing could throw me off into a form of chaos once or twice before, and I think the author did an excellent job of describing this feeling and state of mind.
"Odd as it sounds, the feeling within that cozy copse evoked a hearth of home, a haven. One could still smell that deery smell, the gamy scent of their coats... how sweet it would be, right now, to lie down here like the deer and close one's eyes. To allow all fear to depart one's limbs. To be, just for a moment, innocent of terror." This quote strikes me because I thought it was really strange that all these soldiers, while on a very dangerous mission, randomly find this little place while traveling. It's interesting that it would just appear, and something like that can exist, while thousands are dying, and fighting has broken out all around it. Although hell is surrounding this, this "heavenly" spot has been safe from harm, and remains quiet. I also think its interesting that the author includes the detail that about how cozy and great the deer smell to the men. It's weird to me because I don't think many people would say the smell of deer smells great. I believe he includes this because it reminds the soldiers of their homes, where they eat meat (like the deer), and the memories of hunting when they were healthy, happy and safe. I can also connect to this quote because at certain times I am so tired or angry, and there is all this chaos and noise going on around, but then I'll find a quiet place (usually in my house) where it is absolutely silent, and nothing has reached that place or broken the peace. It feels great to just breath and forget about everything, especially in a place that you feel totally sheltered from the outside world, as if none of the things that were bothering you can touch you.