Why does the author have Dionysius sentence Pythias to death? It reveals the ruthless nature of Dionysius early to contrast with how his character changes at the end.

It foreshadows what happens to Pythias at the end of the story.

It ensures that the viciousness of a merciless ruler is a recurring theme in the story.

It sets up the exposition and propels the action forward for the reader.

It reveals the ruthless nature of Dionysius early to contrast with how his character changes at the end

Explanation:

Damon and Pythias is a story about the sacrifices that friends do for one another.

Dionysius sentenced Pythias to death. He told Dionysius that he wanted to see his parents who lived faraway before he died. Dionysius believed that he wanted to trick him and runaway but his friend Damon said that he should be put in prison in his place and allowed to see his parents and that if he doesn't return on the agreed date of his execution that he should be killed instead.

Pythias never showed up before the execution day but shows up when Damon was about to be executed. When Pythias didn't show up, Damon still believed in him and believer even if he never showed up, it wasn't his fault.

The king released both of them when he eventually showed up as he believed their kind of friendship is rare and he was moved.

The author have Dionysius sentence Pythias to death as it reveals the ruthless nature of Dionysius early to contrast with how his character changes at the end.