Rhetorical Analysis of Pericles' Funeral Oration

Pericles Funeral Oration is noteworthy because it differs from the usual form of Athenian funeral speeches. While a funeral oration would normally focus primarily upon the deceased, Pericles acts as a fervent advocate of democracy by examining not only the sacrifices of his fellow Athenians, but the particular qualities that have facilitated Athenian greatness. This break from convention offers a stirring tribute to the culture of Athens, to democracy and the freedom it drives, and celebrates those willing to die for their exemplary city.

Pericles contends that the unique nature of Athenian culture stems from its bold constitution. As a people who live under a rule of law that favors the many over the few, and which regards citizens as equal before the law, Athenian diplomacy has allowed its state to achieve greatness. The institution of equality inherent in their democracy promotes the collective camaraderie that Athenians feel towards one another: “we are not suspicious of one another, nor angry with our neighbor if he does what he likes”. Yet, according to Pericles, Athens’ values of equality and openness do not hamper, but rather enhance, the city’s glory. The entire speech dares listeners to fathom a citizen who is more imaginative, autonomous, and powerful than the Athenian.

Athens was more than a concept to Pericles; it was the ideal model. As such, he praises Athens’ distinctive character and the virtues they uphold, as well as its democratic system of governance. Athenian democracy, according to Pericles, is a kind of governance in which persons rise purely on merit rather than rank or fortune. “When a citizen is in any way distinguished, he is preferred to the public service, not as a matter of privilege, but as the reward of merit.” In a democracy, the law affords an “equal justice to all,” which everyone may enjoy. To Pericles, it is precisely this, that renders their supremacy over rival poleis.

Throughout the speech, Athens is presented as a paragon of splendor, which members of Athens are motivated to applaud and become infatuated with. In Pericles’ oration, then, Athenian patriotism was not merely bellicose, but almost arousing: an individual dying for Athens was not the tragic end of a human life, but a glorious fulfillment. Pericles entreats his audience to view the death of Athenians as dauntless offerings to the greatest state on Earth. He points out how the slain “resist[ed] and suffer[ed], rather than fly and save their lives; they ran away from the word of dishonor”. Furthermore, these sacrifices, and those that will come, are not in vain because “the whole earth is the tomb of famous men”. These protectors will live on in spirit, acting as the threads that hold together the very fabric of Athens.

By reminding his audience of their triumphant republic, their duty as Athenians, as well as the creation of their democracy and the unique Athenian way of life their constitution planted, Pericles associates the Athenian way of life with the recently deceased, whose valor and sacrifice in the service of their homeland, was so glorious that it atoned all previous offenses and provided unmistakable testimony to Athens greatness.