Xiang Yu And Gaozu: The Records Of The Grand Historian

What constitutes a great warrior, does not necessarily comprise a great leader. The Records of the Grand Historian show a great warrior in Xiang Yu, but also a terrible leader. Further, this text portrays Gaozu as an adequate warrior yet, a magnificent leader. A warrior is defined by their ability to bravely enter battle against all odds, while also having incredible combat skills that evoke fear in their enemy. When analyzing two characters, Xiang Yu and Gaozu, from Records of the Grand Historian, Xiang Yu is visibly a greater warrior because he encompasses the qualities of a true warrior. Xiang is described as “over eight feet tall and so strong… In ability and spirt he far surpassed others, so that all young men of the region of Wu were afraid of him” (18). Xiang Yu’s present alone literally struck fear into lesser men. While on the other hand Gaozu is seen as, “kind and affectionate with others, liked to help people, and was very
David’s heavy reliance and use of others input leads him to become a great leader, not a great warrior. The same case can be made for Gaozu. Often in The David Story, David trusts the decisions that not only his head general Joab make, but also the decisions that God makes for him. While Gaozu does not have God making choices for him, he does always keep the heavens in mind and also had great generals to fall back on. Gaozu, similarly to David, receives a great deal of help, “When it comes to sitting within tents of command and devising strategies…I am no match for Zhang Liang…In ordering the state and caring for the people… I cannot compare to Xiao He…In leading an army of a million men… I cannot come up to Han Xin” (76). Gaozu utilized the advice of others and this led to him being a more thoughtful and competent leader. Gaozu, in the same manner as David recognizes his success was partly due to the help of the people around