What is Pericles trying to say in his speech?

What is Pericles trying to say in his 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.

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.

Who is Pericles why did he give this speech?

Pericles was widely seen as the leader of Athens. He gave this speech during a funeral for Athenian soldiers who died in the first year of the brutal Peloponnesian War against Sparta, Athens’s chief rival. The Athenian historian Thucydides included the speech in his book the History of the Peloponnesian War.

Why did Thucydides write Pericles funeral?

Pericles’ funeral oration was a speech written by Thucydides and delivered by Pericles for his history of the Peloponnesian War. Pericles delivered the oration not only to bury the dead but to praise democracy. Pericles, a great supporter of democracy, was a Greek leader and statesman during the Peloponnesian War.

What is the overarching theme of the funeral oration of Pericles and what does it tell us about classical Greek culture and ideals?

In the speech Pericles relates the special qualities of the Athenians, redefining many traditional Greek virtues in a radical new light. The idea that the Athenians are able to put aside their petty wants and strive for the greater good of the city is a central theme of the speech.

What did Pericles believe?

To admirers of democracy he is almost without a peer. The society which he led was imbued with his ideas—an overmastering love of Athens, a passionate belief in freedom for Athenians, and a faith in the ability of man. Pericles’s trust in the intellect was shared by Athens’s leading thinkers.

How was Pericles speech recorded?

The Funeral Oration was recorded by Thucydides in book two of his famous History of the Peloponnesian War.

Are there any funeral orations from ancient Athens?

Several funeral orations from classical Athens are extant, which seem to corroborate Thucydides ‘ assertion that this was a regular feature of Athenian funerary custom in wartime. The Funeral Oration was recorded by Thucydides in book two of his famous History of the Peloponnesian War.

Who delivered the last part of Thucydides’s funeral speech?

The last part of the ceremony was a speech delivered by a prominent Athenian citizen. Several funeral orations from classical Athens are extant, which seem to corroborate Thucydides’ assertion that this was a regular feature of Athenian funerary custom in wartime.

What is the significance of the funeral oration?

The Funeral Oration is significant because it differs from the usual form of Athenian funeral speeches. David Cartwright describes it as “a eulogy of Athens itself…”. The speech glorifies Athens’ achievements, designed to stir the spirits of a state still at war.