Although Pericles’ exact words of the famous Funeral Oration are not well known. We can examine Thucydides interpretation of the speech, a good friend of Pericles. During the fall of 430 B.C.E famous speeches like Pericles’ were common in Athens after the many battles during their time of war. These speeches occurred annually during the bloody years of the Peloponnesian war. The fallen are commemorated in honor of their valor and commitment to the public. Pericles’ was the general for the city- state of Athens, and though many Athenians were trained in public speaking, Pericles’ speech held a great deal of weight given Athens current war with the Peloponnesians. During the reading, one should understand the background of Pericles and the
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By reminding us of our ancestors, Pericles’ offers the bigger picture for a reassuring understanding of the significant role their sons have given their lives for. Although not included in Thucydides translation of this speech, a list of the fallen was recited, along with the bodies of the fallen to be cleaned and displayed around a massive memorial site before burial. Pericles’ Funeral Oration speech can be compared to several contemporary speeches such that of Abraham Lincoln's’ Gettysburg Address. Both speeches promote a sense of nationalism, great respect of their ancestors, and praise of the brave sacrifices of both the living and fallen soldiers. While offering great sorrow to the dead, both speakers invoke national pride and faith in the government's actions. Although the speeches are not written in the same format, one could speculate that Lincoln used Pericles’ as an inspiration for his …show more content…
This strategy helps demonstrate his level of Logos on the battlefield. His appeal to logic assures that every tactic is thought through carefully and that not a single individual died in vain. His demonstration of Logos is appreciated and understood from the entire audience. This parallels the effort of Athens and its ability to leave every city state trailing in civility.
Pericles’ brilliance is seen as healing and reassuring that the actions made by the government are not meaningless decisions, his words are a reminder for their ancestors who made Athens the democratic and civilized Athenian culture it is known to be. Pericles’ unexpected conclusion leaves no room for lament over the departed. Instead he explains the loss was not for nothing and that each man died a hero.
"Comfort, therefore, not condolence, is what I have to offer to the parents of the dead who may be here. Numberless are the chances to which, as they know, the life of man is subject; but fortunate indeed are they who draw for their lot a death so glorious as that which has caused your mourning, and to whom life has been so exactly measured as to terminate in the happiness in which it has been passed.” (Par.
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By reminding us of our ancestors, Pericles’ offers the bigger picture for a reassuring understanding of the significant role their sons have given their lives for. Although not included in Thucydides translation of this speech, a list of the fallen was recited, along with the bodies of the fallen to be cleaned and displayed around a massive memorial site before burial. Pericles’ Funeral Oration speech can be compared to several contemporary speeches such that of Abraham Lincoln's’ Gettysburg Address. Both speeches promote a sense of nationalism, great respect of their ancestors, and praise of the brave sacrifices of both the living and fallen soldiers. While offering great sorrow to the dead, both speakers invoke national pride and faith in the government's actions. Although the speeches are not written in the same format, one could speculate that Lincoln used Pericles’ as an inspiration for his …show more content…
This strategy helps demonstrate his level of Logos on the battlefield. His appeal to logic assures that every tactic is thought through carefully and that not a single individual died in vain. His demonstration of Logos is appreciated and understood from the entire audience. This parallels the effort of Athens and its ability to leave every city state trailing in civility.
Pericles’ brilliance is seen as healing and reassuring that the actions made by the government are not meaningless decisions, his words are a reminder for their ancestors who made Athens the democratic and civilized Athenian culture it is known to be. Pericles’ unexpected conclusion leaves no room for lament over the departed. Instead he explains the loss was not for nothing and that each man died a hero.
"Comfort, therefore, not condolence, is what I have to offer to the parents of the dead who may be here. Numberless are the chances to which, as they know, the life of man is subject; but fortunate indeed are they who draw for their lot a death so glorious as that which has caused your mourning, and to whom life has been so exactly measured as to terminate in the happiness in which it has been passed.” (Par.