I agree with Katie when she highlights two important aspects of 5th century Greek culture : strong traditions and excessive pride. However, I found that Pericles' comments about wealth and poverty were incompatible with the proof of pride that appeared in other parts of the speech.
He explained that the Greeks were not proud of their money when he said,"We regard wealth as something to be properly used, rather than as something to boast about" (74). If he is speaking honestly, then the Athenians were not prideful due to their wealth. It appears they were charitable. What might account for their pride, then, if not their money? Their military? Pericles speaks of the soldiers who gave up their possessions and participated in the military: "No one of these men weakened because he wanted to go on enjoying his wealth: More to be desired than such things, they chose to check the enemy’s pride" (76).
Rhetorical
Courtney says that Pericles "comforts [the brothers and sons] that one day they may also be able to die for their country", but I understood that it would actually be difficult for them to attain the level of praise that their brothers and fathers won. Said Pericles, "It will be a hard thing for you to get the reputation of having come near, let alone equaled, their standard" (78, emphasis added). Why did he say it so negatively? Because he knows his audience. He speaks to prideful men who are "liable to...jealousy" (78).
Pathos stirs up in the men a covetous desire to work harder, to defend, and to die for their country in the future. Thus they might obtain praise just as their brothers and fathers did. Pericles persuades them through pathos and reverse psychology to tackle that "hard struggle in front of [them]" (77) in order to earn equally admirable praise.
Philosophical
Could Pericles' speech have been presented as a drama? Imagine the heart-rending burial ceremony; Pericles mounting his soap box and disputing the need for a speech; his exaggerated gestures and words that would reach every gazing eye and listening ear. I imagine him imitating the soldiers as they took their final breaths...I think Pericles could have pulled off a drama, even despite the lack of plot or supporting characters.
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| Was Pericles a good actor? |
I didn't notice how negative it sounded until I read your post- when I read it, I found it strongly motivating. It's interesting that sometimes harshness can create motivation.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your historical section it reminded me of the principles that we learn at church. We are not condoned for being wealthy, yet we often freely give it to others who are less fortunate than ourselves. We also do not measure the success and greatness of a man by their wealth but by their willingness to serve others, just like the Greeks put a value on war instead of riches.
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