Download Pericles` Funeral Oration Speech Quote/Analysis

Pericles’ Funeral Oration Speech Quote/Analysis: Introduction to
Fact/Idea Chart
C. Hoppe
Quote from the Speech
“Let me say that our system of
government does not copy the
institutions of our neighbors”
(Perry 66).
“…everyone is equal before the
law; when it is a question of
putting one person before another
in positions of public
responsibility, what counts is not
membership of a particular class,
but the actual ability which the
man possesses” (Perry 66).
“We are free and tolerant in our
private lives; but in the public
affairs we keep to the law” (Perry
66).
Analysis
What does Pericles say about
Athenian government?
Who is the intended audience for
this sentence?
What is the hidden attack here?
What is his tone?
What is the effect of using “our”?
What do you think Pericles means
when he says, “everyone is equal
before the law” and “what counts is
… the actual ability which the man
possesses”? What ability is Pericles
referring to? What do you think
Greeks value based upon your
answers so far?
How does Pericles differentiate
between private and public
behavior?
Why was this distinction important
for Pericles to make?
Does this distinction exist in out
country?
What would it look like to live in a
state where the opposite were the
case: a person’s personal and
private lives were both accountable
to the law?
“The Spartans, from their earliest
What does Pericles suggest about
boyhood, are submitted to the most Spartan education?
laborious training in courage; we
pass our lives without all these
restrictions, and yet are just ready
to face the same dangers as they
are” (Perry 66).
“Our city is open to the world, and we have no
periodical deportations in order to prevent people
observing or finding out secrets which might be of
military advantage to the enemy. This is because we
rely, not on secret weapons, but on our own courage and
loyalty” (Perry 66).
Pericles says, “Our love of what is beautiful does not
lead to extravagance; our love of the things of the mind
does not make s soft. We regard wealth as something to
be properly used, rather than as something to boast
about” (Perry 67).
“We make friends by doing good to others, not be
receiving good from them. This makes our friendship all
the more reliable, since we want to keep alive gratitude
of those who are in our debt by showing continued
goodwill to them” (Perry 67).
What is the connotation of
“laborious”?
Why does he refer to training as
restrictive?
What do you infer about Athenian
education?
What really prepares Athenians for
the dangers?
Why is the contrast so effective in
conveying his feelings about
Athens?
What does this example of Athenian attitude towards
military security suggest about what they value most?
What is the implied attack against Sparta?
What do you think he means when he says, “we rely …
on our own courage and loyalty”?
What are the objections to Athenian values is he refuting
here?
Is his refutation powerful and persuasive? Why or why
not?
How does Pericles define friendship?
What does he mean by “we want to keep alive gratitude
of those who are in our debt”?
Short answer:
What are the main differences between Sparta and Athens according to Pericles? Answer with TPR.