Epideictic: We, as humans (and I can personally attest to this by looking at the contents of my last blog on the power of praise) are motivated by praise and expectations. It is a bit ridiculous the praise that he is giving to the people- not necessarily the soldiers- even in such a moment when people are looking to grasp any words of comfort. With a phrase like “They have blotted out evil with good, and done more service to the commonwealth than they ever did harm in their private lives” he is focusing on what the people want to hear in the present (nice use of Kairos). The encomium is so forceful that it hits the heart of his audience in a deliberative way.
Deliberative: Thucydides' endless
compliments to Athens and his people are more of a call to action rather than a
soothing of the soul. He could have just
chosen to compliment the fallen Pericles, but instead he appeals to their
pathos by helping them recognize that if they do not live up to the great
potential of Athens, all of their fighting, and all of their deaths will be in
vain. He is looking to the future,
although speaking of the past lives of these men. These people can be a benefit to Athens if they decide to stand up and unite. But what are his reasons for such a way of
speech?
There are many reasons as to why Thucydides’
wrote his speech the way he did. I would
like to add on to that list and throw in the possibility that his praise and
honor are a way for him to encourage the men to fight- only that he himself
will not have to and will be able to remain in a comfortable Athens. As sad as it is to say, too often have I seen
personal motives drive a person to apply encomium in his or her speech. In conclusion I’d say Thucydides’ praises the
men and Athens, while deliberately calling for future action in an effort to
protect himself.
First off, beautifully phrased. I'm a sucker for a well worded sentence. Secondly, I appreciate what you said about the kairotic nature of Pericles' statement “They have blotted out evil with good, and done more service to the commonwealth than they ever did harm in their private lives”. I puzzled over this mention of evil for a while, and came to the conclusion that Pericles wanted to be authentic and honest, and not just put the fallen soldiers on a pedestal of perfection. However, you are right that that statement would certainly be what the audience wanted to hear. They were probably more apt to listen to compliments than realism.
ReplyDeleteI had the same thought as you Kapri, which is what I wrote about in my post. While this is a eulogy, or a ceremonial oratory, Pericles wants the people to act and change in a certain way as a result of his rhetoric. He uses all three persuasive appeals: logos, pathos, and ethos. Well done, Pericles.
ReplyDeleteI like your insight given to both genres of speech. The spirit of patriotism is not only what the audience needed right then in the state of mourning, but also appeals to Athens' pride by boasting of its many capabilities in all sectors--especially in warfare. This subliminal message will likely influence more men to join the army.
ReplyDeleteAs you state, Pericles calls for action. He wants his beloved nation to continue fighting. He read the situation (kairos) perfectly and acted accordingly.
ReplyDelete