Comparatively Speaking...

I wish to analyze a few comparisons that Pericles makes in the Funeral Oration. Spencer explains well the differences made between Athens and Sparta. But I noticed additional comparisons which define differences and similarities between people in order to inflate Pericles' persuasive power.

To begin, Pericles makes a distinction between himself and "many of those who have spoken [at the public burial place] in the past" (72). He announces that his speech will be different than theirs--he will not "praise the institution of this speech", but instead he will speak about their ancestors; he will not "make a long speech on subjects familiar to [the Athenians]," but instead he will "discuss the spirit in which [they] faced [their] trials...[and] after that speak in the praise of the dead" (72-73). By declaring his speech to be more productive, relevant, and interesting than those speeches given in the past, Pericles automatically captures the curiosity of his audience (pathos) and makes himself appear more intelligent or skilled than those past speakers (ethos). 

Pericles paints himself as someone better than his predecessors, but he makes positive use of past peoples by expressing a similarity between the Athenians and their ancestors. He says that their fathers "added all the empire we have now" and that contemporary Athenians had also "added to the power of [the] empire" (73). Basically, he asserts that both groups contributed to the empire's success and increase. By drawing a resemblance between the audience and their mighty ancestors, reminding them of the commonality they share in the edification of Athens, Pericles reinforces the audience's devotion to the empire. 

There are even more comparisons between Athens' and the "neighbor's" system of government, recreation, love of beauty, decision-making process, and yes, the "general good feeling" of friendship and kindness. All to prove that Athens possesses a "greatness that surpasses what was imagined of her"--that she is better than all the rest. And I'm sure that, as Pericles says, "This is no empty boasting...but real tangible fact" (75).