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Ever Heard of it Being Too Soon? - Kaitlyn Terry

The entirety of Pericles' speech seems to be a massive call to action. He is essentially telling the men who will fight to fight for death in glory, not for a life in shame. However, the timing seems a little odd, as he is giving this speech at a funeral for the recently deceased warriors. If any speech seemed to be "too soon" it would most likely be this one. These men have just recently died and their families are still grieving but Pericles is standing up and telling the people to sacrifice their lives for glory. Don't get me wrong, I see where he is coming from and I know he means well, he even addresses the families, but it just seems to be too soon. These families are at the funeral for closure, not a call to action. He even tells the parents that if they can, they should have more children to distract them from the loss. It just seems like the wrong time, wrong place. This speech would have been great as the men were preparing for the next battle, but perhaps a speech on the gains that Athens received due to the courage and sacrifice of these men would have been more appropriate for the occasion. 

Additionally, not only is he addressing the families, but he is addressing the surviving warriors. Imagine how it would feel to attend the funeral of a comrade, only to hear about how its better to die in glory than to survive and live on with less glory. It would be humiliating to stand there and hear how shameful it is for you to have survived your comrades. I understand how it could also be inspiring, but no one goes to a funeral expecting to hear something along those lines.


ps I commented on Haylee Lynd and Caroline Tucker's posts

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