Download Funeral Speech of Pericles

Funeral Speech of Pericles: from History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides
Translated by Benjamin Jowett
First Thoughts:
Which single emotion in his listeners do you think Pericles wanted to appeal to most in this speech?
Explain your answer.
Identifying Facts:
1. When Pericles speaks about the Athenian form of government, how does he define a
democracy?
2. How does Pericles contrast Athenian military training with the training of the Spartans? What
proof does he offer of the Athenians’ superiority?
3. Why does Pericles feel that the parents of the dead should not be pitied? What advice does he
offer the widows who mourn their dead?
Interpreting meanings:
1. Explain how Pericles gains the sympathetic attention of his listeners in the introduction to his
speech?
2. Pericles’ funeral oration is an outstanding example of the rhetorical art of persuasion. What do
you think is a Pericles purpose in praising Athens and Athenian Democracy? What is he trying to
persuade his listeners to do or believe?
3. Identify at least one example of argument or persuasion that appeals to reason. Then identify a
part of the speech that seems designed to appeal primarily to emotion.
4. Athens in Pericles’ day was a man’s world as far as public life was concerned. How do Pericles’
words to the women of Athens reflect this situation?
Applying meanings:
1. Imagine that the United States is at war and the President delivers a speech similar to that of
Pericles’ funeral oration. Would such a speech repel or inspire you? Why or why not? Explain
your answer.
2. What ideals were held in high esteem by the Greeks? In what ways does American Democracy
diverge from these ideals?
Language and Vocabulary:
Antithesis: is the use of language to express sharply contrasting ideas in parallel phrases or structures.
The saying “Whoever is not with us is against us” is an example of antithesis. Pericles often uses this
device to make his speech more pointed and effective, as in these examples:
We do not copy our neighbors, but are an example to them.
We rely not upon management or trickery, but upon our own hearts and hands.
1. What other examples of antithesis can you find in Pericles’ speech? List at least three more
examples.
2. Why do you think that antithesis—the juxtaposition of directly contrasting ideas—is such an
effective device of persuasion?