Pericles’ Funeral Oration, delivered during the Peloponnesian War in ancient Athens, is a seminal speech that serves as a eulogy for fallen soldiers and a call to uphold democratic ideals.
Pericles’ Funeral Oration | Summary
The speech commences with acknowledging the commendations bestowed upon the lawgiver who introduced the tradition of incorporating funeral orations into Athenian customs. He also goes on to express his reservations about relying on the words of a single speaker to represent the virtues and reputations of the deceased.
Percile continues with stoicism and reverence, as he pays homage to the esteemed ancestors of Athens. “I will speak for our ancestors…by their valour.” It could be inferred that he alludes to the development of the Athenian government and the part played by the ancestors in its establishment. His subsequent argument asserts Athens as an exceptional and noble city, serving as a model or inspiration for all others as the pioneering archetype of true democracy, they bequeathed to future generations. As the oration unfolds, the speaker’s admiration for Athens intensifies, transitioning from honoring the ancestors to exalting the exceptional role Athens assumes within the realm of Greece. His words resonate with fervor, portraying Athens as the pioneering archetype of true democracy, a societal prototype to be admired and emulated.
The speech further unravels, with Pericles lavishing praise upon the formidable might and unparalleled skill of the Athenian army and navy. He extols their open-mindedness, freedom, and magnanimity towards foreigners, showcasing how the Athenians, despite their indulgent and pleasure-centered lifestyle, maintain the most formidable military force in Greece.
Transitioning away from martial matters, Pericles delves into the realm of Athenian character and personal aptitude, highlighting the virtue of generosity that sets Athens apart. He proudly proclaims Athens’ exceptional nature, emphasizing the practice of cultivating friendships through selfless acts of giving rather than seeking personal gain. This assertion not only resonates with his Athenian audience but also serves to honor the fallen soldiers, bestowing upon them and their families a deep sense of gratitude for their selfless service.
As the speech reaches its culmination, Pericles masterfully weaves all his praises into a profound and resounding declaration. He boldly proclaims:
“I say that Athens is the school of Hellas.. utmost versatility and grace.”
These words carry the weight of authority and credibility, emanating from a leader who has witnessed the exceptional qualities of Athens firsthand.
Finally, Pericles steers the oration towards its ultimate purpose: paying homage to the fallen soldiers. Drawing upon the depths of his Greek heritage, he embraces dramatism and unapologetically celebrates their heroic sacrifice. In a surprising and poignant turn, Pericles concludes his oration by transcending conventional expressions of mourning. Rather than dwelling on grief or offering mere condolences, he imparts solace by contemplating the universal nature of mortality. He immortalized soldiers’ legacy, affirming that their deaths were not in vain, but rather a testament to their heroic stature and unwavering dedication. With a final flourish, Pericles offered solace to those mourning, reflecting upon the transient nature of life and the extraordinary destiny that befell those who met their end in such noble circumstances.
Pericles’ Funeral Speech | Analysis
The speech stands as a timeless masterpiece of rhetoric and political oratory. He delves into the complex dynamics of human psychology, explaining that individuals tend to tolerate praise from others as long as they believe they can achieve similar feats themselves. However, when the speaker surpasses their own capabilities, jealousy arises, leading to skepticism and doubt. Despite his reservations, Pericles acknowledges the approval of his ancestors and feels compelled to adhere to the established practice.
These lines employ procatalepsis, a rhetorical device wherein he raises a potential objection or counterargument to his speech and immediately addresses it. This strategic technique serves to fortify and strengthen his argument by highlighting his stance and rationale, presenting a persuasive case for the significance of actions over mere words. He vows to do his utmost to fulfill the desires and beliefs of the listeners, striving to navigate the delicate balance of honoring the fallen soldiers while satisfying the diverse perspectives of the audience.
One of the key arguments Pericles emphasizes in his oration is the exceptional nature of Athenian democracy during the Classical period. Athens was known for its radical form of direct democracy, where citizens participated directly in decision-making through assembly meetings and voting. He extols the virtues of their political system, which grants power to the many rather than the few. He exclaims:
“Our form of government does not enter into rivalry with the institutions of others. Our government does not copy our neighbors”.
He employs the rhetorical technique of antithesis, highlighting the contrast between Athenian democracy and other forms of governance, emphasizing the active participation and importance of every citizen in the democratic process. Pericles emphasizes that Athens is an exemplary state, where individual freedoms and collective decision-making prevail. This key point aims to foster a sense of civic duty and to underline the exceptional nature of Athenian democracy, contrasting it with alternative forms of governance prevalent during that time.
Furthermore, Pericles stresses the uniqueness of Athens as a cultural and intellectual center. He argues that the Athenian citizens’ commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and the arts distinguishes them from other civilizations. Pericles states:
“For we have a peculiar power of thinking before we act, and of acting, too, whereas other men are courageous from ignorance but hesitate upon reflection.”.
Through the skillful use of antithesis, Pericles highlights the delicate balance that Athens strikes between intellectual enlightenment and material excess. By doing so, he asserts that Athens represents the epitome of civilization and sets a high standard for other societies to emulate.
The speech reflects the democratic principles that were central to Athenian society
Pericles also appeals to the emotions of the audience by emphasizing the noble sacrifices made by the fallen soldiers. He describes their valor and selflessness, stating:
“For the Athens that I have celebrated, they have nobly fought and died.”
Through the use of anaphora, the repetition of “they have” underscores the collective bravery of the fallen soldiers and emphasizes their essential role in defending the city. The speaker aims to instill a sense of pride and gratitude in the audience, as well as a profound duty to preserve and protect Athens in their memory.
The speech underscores the importance of Athenian power and influence on the world stage. He argues that Athens’ reputation and achievements make them the envy of other nations. Pericles asserts:
“Our city is thrown open to the world, though and we never expel a foreigner and prevent him from seeing or learning anything of which the secret if revealed to an enemy might profit him..”
Here, he utilizes a rhetorical device called litotes, employing understatement to accentuate the magnanimity of Athens in welcoming foreigners. By showcasing Athens as a beacon of civilization, he suggests that their power and influence extend beyond their city walls, necessitating the continued strength and prosperity of the Athenian state. Pericles passionately recounts how Athens instills fear in the hearts of its adversaries, emphasizing how defeated foes embellish tales of Athenian power, while Athens itself guards against undue arrogance. The speaker weaves a tapestry of Athens’ indomitable spirit, painting a portrait of a city that elicits awe and commands respect across the land.
Inextricably linked to the celebration of Athens’ democracy and cultural achievements is the homage paid to the fallen soldiers. The speech meticulously eulogizes their valor, sacrifice, and the noble manner in which they fought and died for Athens. This tribute serves to inspire and unite the living citizens, evoking a sense of pride and gratitude while emphasizing the imperative to protect and uphold the democratic principles for which these fallen heroes laid down their lives.
Pericles links the virtues of Athenian democracy and the cultural accomplishments of Athens to the sacrifices made by the fallen soldiers. This interconnection underscores the significance of preserving and cherishing the democratic principles upon which Athens was built, as they are intertwined with the city’s cultural achievements and its power and influence. The speech skillfully evokes profound grief while simultaneously fostering feelings of collective pride and unwavering faith in their respective societies.
Queen Elizabeth I’s Speech | Socio-Political Context
Pericles’ Funeral Oration was delivered in ancient Athens during the Peloponnesian War, a conflict between Athens and Sparta that lasted from 431 to 404 BCE. Pericles, an influential statesman and general, delivered this speech in 431 BCE, shortly after the outbreak of the war. The speech was delivered in the context of a public funeral held to honor the Athenian soldiers who had died in the early stages of the war. It took place at the Kerameikos, the city’s main cemetery, where the bodies of the fallen were buried.
While Thucydides’ translation of Pericles’ specific speech does not include a recitation of the fallen soldiers’ names, it was customary to pay tribute to their sacrifice during the oration. The bodies of the deceased were meticulously prepared and displayed around a grand memorial before being laid to rest. Pericles, however, deviated from the typical mournful tone of the speech and astutely seized the opportunity to sway public sentiment by espousing his own values alongside those of Athenian society. This strategic maneuver aimed to garner favor with the people, ultimately leading to his reinstatement as military commander before his eventual demise.
The Peloponnesian War itself was a pivotal event in ancient Greek history. It was fought between the two most powerful city-states of the time: Athens, with its naval supremacy and dominant democracy, and Sparta, with its formidable land-based military. The war arose from underlying tensions and conflicts of interest between Athens and Sparta, as well as their respective allies. Pericles’ Funeral Oration aimed to boost morale and rally Athenian citizens during a challenging time. It sought to remind the audience of the exceptional qualities of Athenian democracy, the cultural achievements of Athens, and the sacrifices made by their fallen soldiers.
Pericles’ Funeral Oration | Rhetorical Devices
Pericles employs parallelism to render his speech more accessible and impactful, allowing his audience to fully internalize the profound significance of the fallen soldiers’ selflessness. With each word, he constructs a memorial of unparalleled admiration, honoring those who, through their courageous deaths, have shaped the very essence of Athens.
The speech is infused with anacoluthon, this is the unexpected, mid-sentence discontinuation in the expression of an idea often accompanied by an abrupt. This grabs the audience’s attention almost like a wake-up call and makes the framing of ideas more poignant. He also frequently uses anaphora to build momentum and create an arena for contrasting ideas:
“Our city is open to the world…among us.”
By employing understatement, he underscores the magnanimity and inclusiveness of Athens.
He employs antanagoge, in the lines:
“Wherefore I do not now pity the parents of the dead who stand here; I would rather comfort them.”
It deflects potential criticism by pointing out a positive.
The speech also uses metonymy :
“fix your eyes upon the greatness of Athens, until you become filled with the love of her…of her glory.”
This technique helps in fostering pride and lighting a spark in the audience. The speech also employs metaphors to convey complex ideas in a vivid and memorable way. He refers to Athens as “the school of Hellas,” likening the city to an educational institution that serves as a source of knowledge and inspiration for all of Greece.
The speech utilizes vivid imagery to evoke strong mental images and appeal to the senses. He describes the fallen soldiers as deserving men, enhancing the emotional impact of their sacrifice and reinforcing their honorable status.
Pericles’ Funeral Oration holds immense literary significance as a masterful composition that intertwines the major points of Athenian democracy, cultural superiority, sacrifice, and power. Its intent is to inspire and unify the citizens of Athens, urging them to honor the fallen soldiers by upholding democratic ideals, fostering intellectual pursuits, and safeguarding the city’s influence.
