True Motivation, Option E?

In “Pericles’ Funeral Oration” the author Thucydides uses Pericles’s words to add more credibility (ethos) to his book. This is why he quoted Pericles even though he didn’t have his exact words. Using quotes as if they were Pericles’ exact quotes gives him more credibility while if you know that fact it slightly diminishes the credibility of the quotes. None the less it gives us a good look at what is happening at this time.

Pericles intended his speech to transcend time. He states, “My history is an everlasting possession, not a prize composition which is heard and forgotten”. To this he was right. This article would transcend time. Even now we can relate to this article. This is evident in Jared Larsen’s touching article about his father death. He mentioned how he related to the feeling that was present at this funeral. Thus this article has Kairos at the time it was presented and presently.

Pericles article seems to have separate parts first he convinces us that his speech is less important than the events that took place on the battle field. Then he takes a turn and talks about how wonderful the city is. While reading this I was confused why he was talking so much about the city and its wonders and beauty. At first thought I considered his alternative motives. I thought that he was taking this speaking opportunity to deliver a political message giving his epidictic speech a deliberative twist. In a sense he is taking advantage of the Kairos of the situation. During this time the audience is looking for something to do to honor their fallen family. He is giving them a purpose. So in this point of view Pericles is taking advantage the peoples raw emotions to convince them to help build up the city. On the other hand as Jared mentioned he may be mentioning the city so much because he is reminding the families why they fought, reminding them what they fought for. In doing this he makes a beautiful personification of Athens, he states, “they gave their lives to her (Athens) and all of us. Is saying this Pericles uses pathos to use the audience’s emotions to cause them to act.

What was his purpose for the call to action? Is his design to rehabilitate families or build up a city? Or option E, all the above. 

Which answer will you chose? 

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