Download Pericles` Funeral Oration Questions

Name:________________________
Pericles’ Funeral Oration Reading Questions
Instructions. After reading the excerpt from The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides, answer the
following questions as thoroughly as possible on a separate piece of paper. These will be due at
the beginning of class on the day following our discussion.
1.
Explain the contradiction of this speech, giving examples where Pericles glorifies
empire and where he glorifies democracy. (See pp. 1-3) In your opinion, which view of
Athens is more correct, and why? (5 points)
2.
Summarize Athens’ political system, as outlined by Pericles. (See bottom p. 1-bottom
p. 2) (4 points)
3.
How does Pericles define Athenian bravery, as distinct from other forms of bravery
(i.e., that of the Spartans)? Why is Athenian bravery “better”? (See bottom p. 2-middle
p. 3) (3 points)
4.
According to Pericles, why should an Athenian sacrifice his life for his city? (See
middle p. 3-middle p. 4) Considering the circumstances of the Peloponnesian War, is
his argument justified? Why or why not? (3 points)