Before I get deep into this post, I would like to preface my post by addressing the fact that I am looking to take a different twist on these two excerpts. I am going to make a brief analysis of a connection between Pericles’ funeral oration and book one of Aristotle.
In chapter 9, Aristotle states that “for purposes of praise and blame, the thing to do is to take attributes that approximate the ones that are present as being the same things….. And each person is always to be taken as having what is best from among the attributes that go together.” He gives us various examples like the arrogant person being symbolized as a great, extraordinary person and the wasteful person as a generous person. With that being said, we know that the form of oratory that is typically utilized to give praise or blame is the epideictic oratory. Though Hailee Richards made great points in debating that Pericles’ oratory was a deliberative one, I would argue that this validates the fact that it was an epideictic oration through and through.
Pericles knows exactly what he is doing. We have background knowledge that he is the leading statesman in Athens and has great influence among the people. I think that as he speaks, it is clear that he is trying to magnify the good things of Athens to make them seem overall better than what they really are. He obviously gives lots of praise to the soldiers and every time he mentions them he takes more of a “sacred” tone, now that they have passed away. However, I find it interesting that he uses Aristotle's take as a way to not only motivate the people but build their self esteem. I would go as far as to argue that building their self esteem is going to take a hit at the pathos appeal because everyone feels good when they are being praised.
That was very simple and very clear. I agree in the sense that he is able to build self esteem through an appeal to pathos as he takes that "sacred" tone that you had mentioned. Check out my post, maybe there is a compromise between both your idea an Hailee's idea. Thanks for the clear and concise insight!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your comment on how complimenting and praising someone plays with their emotions in a positive way. Because Pericles praised the soldiers, and in consequence, their families and close friends, I am assuming he was able to get a great reaction out of his audience. He knew who he was addressing, and because of this he was able to use their emotions to play to his advantage during his speech.
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