Intellectual Heritage
Thucydides, History
of the Peloponnesian War, Book 2.34-46:
The Funeral
Speech of Pericles
Chapter 34. In the one-paragraph introduction, what
has been done to make the burial of these dead people special? What in this paragraph most interests
you?
Chapter 35. In the first paragraph, Pericles
distinguishes between his words and the actions of the dead soldiers heıs
celebrating. Which is more important, his words or their deeds?
Chapter 36. Pericles turns to the various generations
in Athenian history. Which of
these seems most important?
Why? Ask yourself, why
isnıt he talking about the dead soldiers yet, and what is he focused on
instead?
Chapter 37. Now Pericles introduces a key term of
Athenian political life: "democracy." What distinguishes this from "democracy" as we use
the term today?
Chapter 38. Pericles describes the ³easy² life of
the Athenians. What makes it
³easy²?
Chapter 39. Athenian military might is celebrated
and compared to that of Athensı arch-rival, Sparta. How are these too cultures different? Which seems more likely to obtain
military success?ıSuppose you were a citizen of some state that Athens had
conquered: how would you feel about being conquered by the Athenians?
Chapter 40 concerns a further
paradox: if Athenian military success grew out of Athenian ³ease,² Athenian
life combines risk-taking and careful planning. Note the emphasis on the intellect in this chapter.
Chapter 41. Note the similarity between Athenian
individuals and the Athenian state.
The city has a ³character² just as its citizens do. Now think about this: Athens is a democracy, and Pericles is
proud of this democracyıs grip on international power. So: is the empire described here
democratically run, or is Athens in sole control? If the latter, is this appropriate for a democracy?
Chapter 42. Now we turn to the dead, and they
die. What do you think of the
final sentence of this chapter? What does it mean?
Chapter 43. Thinking about the dead, pericles
states that theyıve won a role in eternity. Comment on this.
Chapter 44. What is the role of widows, now? If you were a recently bereaved mother,
how would you feel about this?
Chapter 45-46. Here Pericles turns
to sons, brothers and widows. Note especially the end of chapter 45: if you were a widow, how would you
feel?