What did Pericles Funeral Oration say?

In his speech, Pericles states that he had been emphasising the greatness of Athens in order to convey that the citizens of Athens must continue to support the war, to show them that what they were fighting for was of the utmost importance.

What did Thucydides say about Pericles?

Thucydides fervently supported Pericles but was less enthusiastic about the institution of democracy. Under the hands of Pericles, Thucydides thought democracy could be controlled, but without him, it could be dangerous.

Who gives the funeral speech in Thucydides’s account?

leader Pericles
from the Peloponnesian War (Book 2.34-46) This famous speech was given by the Athenian leader Pericles after the first battles of the Peloponnesian war. Funerals after such battles were public rituals and Pericles used the occasion to make a classic statement of the value of democracy.

Why do you think Pericles wanted to give a speech about democracy at the funeral?

Why do you think Pericles wanted to give a speech about democracy at the funeral? The Athenian leader is giving this speech at a funeral because he is using this occasion to tell his people about the importance of democracy, also pay respects to the ones who died in this war.

What did Spartans value most?

The Spartans valued discipline, obedience, and courage above all else. Spartan men learned these values at an early age, when they were trained to be soldiers.

What did Pericles do for democracy?

He started an ambitious project that generated most of the surviving structures on the Acropolis, including the Parthenon. This project beautified and protected the city, exhibited its glory and gave work to its people. Pericles also fostered Athenian democracy to such an extent that critics call him a populist.

What is the main point of Pericles Funeral Oration?

The most important thing to remember about the Funeral Oration is that it is a speech, intended to persuade its listeners. Pericles praises Athens so that people will keep fighting; he praises the sacrifices of the dead so that others will imitate them.

What is Pericles trying to achieve with this speech?

In his speech, Pericles states that the citizens of Athens must continue to support the war. He wanted to emphasis that what they were fighting for was of the upmost importance. He stated that the soldiers who died gave their lives to protect the city of Athens, its citizens, and its freedom.

How did Pericles strengthen democracy?

To strengthen democracy, Pericles increased the number of public officials who were paid. Earlier in Athens, most positions were unpaid. This made it hard for less wealthy people to hold government jobs. Now even the poorest citizen could serve if elected.

What democratic changes did Pericles bring?

He introduced the practice of paying citizens to serve on juries, which allowed poor men to leave work and participate in the justice system. This expanded citizen participation in politics. Pericles also served as commander-in-chief of the Athenian army during the First Peloponnesian War.

What was the language of thucydides’funeral speech?

Language and translations. Thucydides’ Greek is notoriously difficult, but the language of Pericles Funeral Oration is considered by many to be the most difficult and virtuosic passage in the History of the Peloponnesian War. [citation needed] The speech is full of rhetorical devices, such as antithesis, anacoluthon, asyndeton, anastrophe,…

What was the purpose of the funeral speech?

The speech glorifies Athens’ achievements, designed to stir the spirits of a state still at war. The speech begins by praising the custom of the public funeral for the dead, but criticises the inclusion of the speech, arguing that the “reputations of many brave men” should “not be imperilled in the mouth of a single individual”.

Is the funeral oration part of the law?

Most of my predecessors in this place have commended him who made this speech part of the law, telling us that it is well that it should be delivered at the burial of those who fall in battle.