In the History of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides recreates Pericles’ well-known funeral oration that was given at the end of the first year of the war. Speeches such as Pericles’ were traditionally delivered to honor the fallen in Athen’s many wars and campaigns against other countries. Thucydides remarks on this tradition, claiming that, “[the chosen orator] makes an appropriate speech in praise of the dead.”(II,34). Pericles’ oration deviates from the typical formula of Athenian funeral speeches, instead designed to stir the spirit of a state still at war through the glorification of Athen’s achievements and unique nature.
Pericles’ speech is long and complex as he works methodically to persuade the Athenian people. Instead of making …show more content…
Pericles reminds the people of not only the high-minded ideals of their republic, but of the opportunities that this form of government allows. Pericles asserts that “everyone is equal before the law” and continues by adding that it “is not the membership of a particular class, but the actual ability which the man possesses” with regards to public office. He reminds the citizens of their ability to “enjoy all kinds of recreation for our spirits.” and that “the greatness of our city brings it about that all the good things from all over the world flow in to us”(II,38). These are the ideals that form the base of Athenian culture and democracy, arousing a sense of national pride in his listeners. By appealing to this sense of pride, Pericles sets Athens apart from its relatively poorer and less progressive neighbors. He executes this by reminding the Athenians of all they have achieved and what their democratic republic has accomplished for and with them. In doing so, Pericles makes clear that their way of life is at stake in their struggle with Sparta. Although he is yet to make mention of the coming battles, he is distinctly describing a lifestyle worth fighting and dying for. Without referencing them directly, Pericles contrasts Athens with Sparta, whose citizens certainly do not enjoy all of the rights and privileges held by the …show more content…
Instead of mourning the fallen or offering condolences to their respective families, Pericles boasts of the fallen’s bravery in battle. He immediately connects this idea to their sense of national identity when he says that, “I have sung the praises of our city; but it was the courage and gallantry of these men, and of people like them, which made her splendid.”(II,42). Pericles does not dwell on the enemy responsible for these deaths, an act which serves to keep his audience firmly planted in the context of the funeral. He plays upon his audience’s emotions of grief, successfully provoking a desire for vengeance. Pericles goes on to add that, “[i]t is only natural that every one of us who survive them should be willing to undergo hardships in her service”(II,42). Thus, the speech has skillfully shifted from the smaller scope of the affair -- honoring the fallen -- to Pericles’ larger intention of a call to
Pericles’ speech is long and complex as he works methodically to persuade the Athenian people. Instead of making …show more content…
Pericles reminds the people of not only the high-minded ideals of their republic, but of the opportunities that this form of government allows. Pericles asserts that “everyone is equal before the law” and continues by adding that it “is not the membership of a particular class, but the actual ability which the man possesses” with regards to public office. He reminds the citizens of their ability to “enjoy all kinds of recreation for our spirits.” and that “the greatness of our city brings it about that all the good things from all over the world flow in to us”(II,38). These are the ideals that form the base of Athenian culture and democracy, arousing a sense of national pride in his listeners. By appealing to this sense of pride, Pericles sets Athens apart from its relatively poorer and less progressive neighbors. He executes this by reminding the Athenians of all they have achieved and what their democratic republic has accomplished for and with them. In doing so, Pericles makes clear that their way of life is at stake in their struggle with Sparta. Although he is yet to make mention of the coming battles, he is distinctly describing a lifestyle worth fighting and dying for. Without referencing them directly, Pericles contrasts Athens with Sparta, whose citizens certainly do not enjoy all of the rights and privileges held by the …show more content…
Instead of mourning the fallen or offering condolences to their respective families, Pericles boasts of the fallen’s bravery in battle. He immediately connects this idea to their sense of national identity when he says that, “I have sung the praises of our city; but it was the courage and gallantry of these men, and of people like them, which made her splendid.”(II,42). Pericles does not dwell on the enemy responsible for these deaths, an act which serves to keep his audience firmly planted in the context of the funeral. He plays upon his audience’s emotions of grief, successfully provoking a desire for vengeance. Pericles goes on to add that, “[i]t is only natural that every one of us who survive them should be willing to undergo hardships in her service”(II,42). Thus, the speech has skillfully shifted from the smaller scope of the affair -- honoring the fallen -- to Pericles’ larger intention of a call to