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Where Does Honor Lie? //Abigale Bell

Where does honor lie?

For the Greeks, a man's honor was entirely wrapped up in civic duty. A man gained honor only in relation to how he served his people.

To me, Pericles' funeral address gives us a clear picture of where a man's honor came from in 431 B.C. It is a celebration of Athens more than of the men who died for her. As I read, I am struck by the points Pericles brings out in the address. These points we often hear in political speeches today. 

First, he reminds the people of their ancestors. Those who had come before. In their minds, these were the greatest men; greater, even, than those who had fallen in battle. These men set the foundations of the great city: Athens. We see this today. We look to great men like Abraham Lincoln or George Washington. These men who set the foundations for our country, we regard as the epitome of strength and wisdom. Patriotism is key here. 

Pericles next reminds the people of the strength of their city. The freedom that they have because of the struggles of their fathers and grandfathers. He reminds them of their greatness as a city compared to those around them. "What do we have that they don't have?" He asks. "We have freedom; democracy. We have a strong army. We can stand in battle without the help of outsiders. We are so much stronger than those Spartans who attack us." Again, this is something we hear often in our country today.

Finally, Pericles reminds the people fo their duty to their great city. For those who are still of an age to bear children, they must have more sons who can grow up to take their fathers' place in the war. For those who are past the childbearing age, they must be content to live the rest of their short lives with the knowledge of what they have given to their city. Children were important to the ancient Greeks. Money may be an equivalent for present-day Americans. While our political leaders may not go as far as to demand more children, thy would certainly not shy away from demanding more money.


Commented on Haley's and Jessef's posts.

Comments

  1. ClaboSeptember 14, 2020 at 4:57 PM

    I completely agree with you. A man's importance was solely attributed to his efforts given to Athens. I also agree with you in the fact that Pericles's speech greatly exhibited patriotism and a strong calling for the Athenian people to not forget how great they are. I, too, can very easily see the connection of the way the Athenians view their country to that of America.

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