Ben Hur essays

Ben Hur essays Judah Ben-Hur is the main character in the movie Ben-Hur. He grows up in a wealthy and politically influential family who had everything they could possibly want. While still a young child, Judahs best friend, Messala, moved to Rome for education. As the years went by, Judah and Messala never forgot each other. But while in Rome, Messala grew to be a wicked man that would do anything or use anybody to gain social prominence. Ordered by the Emperor, Messala returned to his homeland to rule as a Tribune. Judah heard of Messalas return and met him as soon as he arrived. While talking with each other, they decide to see who can throw a javelin more accurately. Both men hit the same target and Judah interpreted this as a sign that Messala still considered them equal. Proving Romes ruthlessness, Messala only wanted to get information from Judah so that he could fulfill his orders of conquering the land. Through a long line of events, Messala condemned Judah because he refused to comply with Rome and turn in his friends. As a result, Judah ended up as a rower on a slave ship. During the three-year period where he was a slave at sea, he was ordered to row well and live or pay the penalty. Because Rome was so vindictive, anyone who wouldnt or couldnt follow orders would be put to death. Yet Judah did find compassion in one man, the captain of the fleet, who he quickly became friends with. During a battle with another fleet, Judahs ship was rammed and sank. While the majority of the slaves died, Judah escaped and saved the life of the captain. After floating on a piece of driftwood for a day, they were picked up by another Roman ship and discovered that their battle turned out to be a victory credited to the captain. Repaying Ben-Hur for his bravery, the captain adopted him when they returned to Rome. No longer a slave, Judah decided to return to his country and search for his moth...