Questions on Pericles Speech

Questions on Pericles’ Speech Thucydides’ The funeral Oration of Pericles Christina Hoppe

1) What is a “funeral oration”? 2) According to Pericles, what are the important qualities of a democratic society? 3) How did the Athenians feel about wealth, learning, and public affairs? 4) How did the Athenians differ from the Spartans in their views on education and military training? 5) What is Pericles’ ethos? How does his establish this ethos? 6) Who was the intended audience for this speech? 7) What does he want his audience to feel (pathos)? How do you know this? Give examples and explain. 8) Why did Pericles deliver this speech? What was his intention? 9) What are his main arguments or points (logos)? 10) What are some of the most powerful words or phrases he uses in the speech? Why did you find these phrases or words particularly powerful? 11) Where are there examples of parallel structure? 12) How does Pericles feel about Athens? 13) How does Pericles define courage? Duty? Power? 14) Does he use hyperbole (exaggeration for an effect)? 15) Is America today more like Athens or Sparta? Defend with evidence from research.