The Funeral Oration of Pericles

The Funeral Oration of Pericles In Pericles’ funeral oration, focus is put on the living instead of the dead. Pericles tells how the people of Athens live in a peaceful society because they are good people, respect the laws, and are simply oriented to do the right thing. Instead of focusing on the life of a particular soldier, he glorifies Athens as a whole. He begins by speaking about their ancestors and giving them credit …

…of Greece. The self sufficiency, diversity, and grace of every citizen is obviously the reason for the great character and power of Athens as a whole. His statements instill a feeling of patriotism towards Athens, and not any sort of sadness for their dead. His focus on life shows that a key value of Athenian society was the preservation of the superior city, and that death was just a part of the greatness of it.