The speech, “Funeral Oration”, was a eulogy written in the winter of 431-430 B.C.E. by Pericles who was the Athenian leader. Pericles delivered this speech to the survivors of the fallen who lost their lives fighting in the Peloponnesian War. Between 431 BC and 404 BC, the Peloponnesian War was fought between the Peloponnesian League, led by the Spartans, and Delian League, led by the Athenians. Sparta feared that Athens was becoming too powerful, leaving them no choice but to invade, defeating Athens. need to be cited and explain more, also add thesis statement here. Pericles describes Athens as a democracy, he states “It’s administration favors the many instead of a few; this is why it is called a democracy.” Pericles sees Athens as being
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“We throw open our city to the world, and never pass laws to exclude foreigners from any opportunity of learning or observing, although the eyes of the enemy may occasionally profit from our liberality”, Athens does not deport foreigners, rather welcomes them into the city. With Athens’ openness, it allows for the foreigners to extend the ways of Athens democracy to their homeland, essentially spreading democracy across the world. He goes on to contrast the character of Athens in terms of education as compared to the Spartans. Spartans education is more militaristic and centered around training for war beginning at a young age, he says, “In education, where our rivals from their very cradles seek after manliness through a very painful discipline.” As for Athens, who is more open and less restricted, “at Athens, we live as we please, and yet are just as ready to encounter every legitimate danger”, even without the harsh military training, the Athenians are fully capable in a moment of need. Pericles makes it clear that Athens is superior to Sparta. He says, “If I have dwelt at some length upon the character of our country, it has been to show that our stake in the struggle is not the same as theirs who have no such blessings to lose.” Those who fought, “thought fit to act boldly and trust in themselves. Thus, choosing to die resisting, rather than to live submitting”, they would have rather
“We throw open our city to the world, and never pass laws to exclude foreigners from any opportunity of learning or observing, although the eyes of the enemy may occasionally profit from our liberality”, Athens does not deport foreigners, rather welcomes them into the city. With Athens’ openness, it allows for the foreigners to extend the ways of Athens democracy to their homeland, essentially spreading democracy across the world. He goes on to contrast the character of Athens in terms of education as compared to the Spartans. Spartans education is more militaristic and centered around training for war beginning at a young age, he says, “In education, where our rivals from their very cradles seek after manliness through a very painful discipline.” As for Athens, who is more open and less restricted, “at Athens, we live as we please, and yet are just as ready to encounter every legitimate danger”, even without the harsh military training, the Athenians are fully capable in a moment of need. Pericles makes it clear that Athens is superior to Sparta. He says, “If I have dwelt at some length upon the character of our country, it has been to show that our stake in the struggle is not the same as theirs who have no such blessings to lose.” Those who fought, “thought fit to act boldly and trust in themselves. Thus, choosing to die resisting, rather than to live submitting”, they would have rather