Most of Pericles's Funeral Oration from The History of the Peloponnesian War is comprised of praise of the city of Athens... a sort of explanation as to why those who had fallen in the war should be remembered as heroes. I found it quite interesting that while multiple paragraphs are dedicated to the praise of the city, the survivors of the fallen are hardly acknowledged, even less are the women.
Last week we had a class discussion on the roles of men and women in ancient Greece. Basically, women were supposed to be beautiful, yet at the same time hardly seen nor heard. Their purpose was primarily to bear children as well as manage the household. Of course in some aspects women are still viewed in this way depending on the culture. Moreover, I tried to imagine how things might play out if Pericles's Funeral Oration was given in todays culture, especially considering the fight for equality between men and women. First off, while outlining a traditional Athenian funeral, Pericles reminds the audience that "the female relatives are there to wail at the burial" (Thucydides, 1). Later, after practically worshiping the city of Athens, Pericles finally acknowledges the surviving men of the fallen. In short, he encourages them in their "arduous struggle" for merit. And lastly, the women have their moment. Paragraph 13 quotes: "On the other hand, if I must say anything on the subject of female excellence to those of you who will now be in widowhood, it will be compromised in this brief exhortation." What a great start, Pericles, I can tell this is something you enjoy talking about. He goes on to remind them of their expected character, saying: "greatest will be hers who is least talked of among the men, whether for good or for bad." So basically he's saying that they should now be practically forgotten because they are widowers? Hmmm...
Hi Haley! I really enjoyed reading your post! I defintely agree that a speech like this would not go over well if given in America today. Although, I don't think Peracles' speech overall was meant to degrade women. Also, while we see Greek opinions about women as increadably degritory, I don't think the women of that day would have. I think they would have excepted their place in society as the homemakers.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I don't think it was meant to degrade them, I just find it interesting how much culture has changed and the roles of men and women of that time.
DeleteThis was a very good post! I have to say that I agree that it is interesting that Pericles barely mentions the men who have died. The one of the few things he mentions about the men is that they died honorably for their state. I would think that at a funeral speech that the people listening would want to hear about the men who died.
ReplyDeleteIt is really odd how much the women are ignored in this moment, but we should also consider the level of marriage that the women had to the men. Sure, the women are supposed to be crying at the funeral, but after? The widows might not have been very fond of the deceased, so in Pericles's mind, it shows loyalty and, therefore, honor, to not be seen even after your "lover" is gone.
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