Response To Pericles Funeral Oration

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Reading Response 1
In Pericles's Funeral Oration, Pericles promotes and celebrates many great aspects of the Athenian society. Pericles puts emphasis on the bravery that his city exemplifies in times of trouble. In his speech Pericles states how during any hardships that may take place, they “prove no less daring than those who are constantly straining” (pg 93). Danger to the Athenians is nothing more than an obstacle to fight through, and Pericles emphasizes his nation’s ability to stay calm in the face of instability as a cause of admiration. Pericles celebrates the Athenian’s virtues as one of selflessness and loyalty to the city. Pericles states how none of the fallen men gave way to cowardice by backing away from war to enjoy a life of wealth and stability in an attempt to stay away from danger (pg 95). This concept that the Athenians pay no mind to their petty …show more content…

Even a single man “would represent an individual self-sufficient for the most varied forms of conduct, and with the most attractive qualities” says Pericles, in which states that he is giving factual truth, not boastfully speaking (pg. 94). Pericles is stating that these qualities are so rooted to society, that every individual in the city will exemplify these qualities, and will be able to represent the city fully. Pericles also relates these qualities back to the Democracy of the city. He states how this system of government allows any man to act as they wish, as long as they are doing so in confines of the law. Pericles praises how the “equal justice to all” idea of Democracy is the best form of government, and states how this adoption of government gives Athens superiority over their fellow city states (pg.92). It is these qualities of the government and its people that Pericles believes makes his city of Athens the greatest amongst the

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