What made Athens great?

It is hard to tell whether or not Pericles was being honest with himself in his Funeral Oration speech. Under the circumstances, he seemed very distraught over the fact that he was forced by law to make a speech. “It becomes my duty to obey the law and to try to satisfy your several wishes and opinions as best I may.” This one line makes me think that a lot of what he was saying could very well been exaggerated in order to “satisfy” those who were mourning, and to give a justifiable cause to their loves ones death. Even with this factor, Pericles paints a vivid description of a perfect democracy.

Democracy is the basis of Pericles’ speech. He states that all men are essentially equal, those of a lower class can participate in politics and fight for Athens, just the same as those of a higher class. “If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences.” According to the Athens society no man should be discriminated against in any aspect of society. Further more Pericles boast, “Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to others than imitators ourselves.” For a nation to be “the leader” of all nations is a huge accomplishment, especially in a time where democracy was just in it’s beginnings.

The most essential point of Pericles’ speech is that Athens is great because of her people. “For the Athens that I have celebrated is only what the heroism of these and their like have made her” Pericles regards the fallen heroes of the battle as the real reason Athens is the greatest city. The Athenians have a great sense of honor and pride in their city and if it were not for the people having faith in Athens then it would surly crumble.

I agree with everything that Pericles had to say in his speech, even though he was forced by law to make it. The idea of democracy is very important to society, and the fact that Athens was the forerunner in democracy at the time was a huge accomplishment. The ideals of Athens were that of a perfect society, where everyman was equal no matter of their class and that everyman should receive the same amount of honor.

Laura Hummel