Coaches speak with their athletes constantly to instill in their minds a particular vision. After any game or practice, coaches rally the team together to help them see three main things: any areas where they need to improve, who they are and where they have come from, and what they can accomplish through hard work. When these three elements are successfully conveyed at the proper kairos, a football team can become an unstoppable force.
Now we all know that the Peloponnesian War was a three decade disaster for the Athenians. In the end of the war, many were dead and the Greeks were defeated. In this setting, Pericles, and accomplished statesman (ethos) approached his audience while their emotions were high (pathos) and incorporated emotion with logic (logos) in his speech. I imagine Pericles standing in front of the men and women Athenians similar to Bronco Mendenhall after a terrible Cougar defeat.
Just as Bronco does, Pericles began by critiquing and pointing out areas where improvement is needed. Isaac refers to the bold opening statements of Pericles, which possibly offended some people. It's necessary, however, to recognize weaknesses in order to progress in life, so his boldness was required.
Since he was a wise leader, he moved to uplift the people by reminding them of who they are: they're Athenians! They are intelligent, brave, and a well-respected society. They have changed the world for the better.
Lastly, he seeks to instill a vision of the future in the people. His words comfort the people and let them see the future they have ahead of them. Things will be different and more difficult in many ways, but there is much good fortune for both the living and the dead. In short, this speech seeks to change the mind of the Athenians toward a more positive outlook, while being realistic about mistakes made along the way. As their vision changed, they could once again approach success and victory.
I loved your insight on this being a "hybrid deliberative oratory". I was just thinking about that, but was worried I was just making stuff up. However, the elements are certainly there-- Pericles is certainly looking towards the future, and to what can be done now that will be advantageous to the future.
ReplyDeleteInteresting point about the need for critic and pointing out areas for improvement, Michael. We often don't like it when it happens, but ultimately it helps us. Maybe that's why we are okay with it, why the Athenians and the football players are will to accept it.
ReplyDeletePericles' words of praise equally played two parts. They were a source of strength and buoyed up the audience, but also provided an excellent segway into *what* the fighting and was all about--because they had more at stake than other counties.
ReplyDeleteYou point out an excellent practice of teaching. First praise, then instruct.
I enjoyed your post. I can definitely see the connections between the oration and sports coaching. I actually wrote by post in response to yours. The one thing that stuck out to me regarding your post is that I noticed that Pericles talked about ignoring pathetic appeals. He wanted the Athenians to act instead of to listen to the inspiring words. It almost seemed like instead of reminding them of the past, he was telling them to move on from it because the dead can do nothing for them. I may be wrong, but that is what I understood.
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