Pericles' Funeral Oration

It is imperative for any public speaker to be positive and praising of the land and the populace that he/she represents and presides over. This, then, is also the case with Pericles in his funeral oration. Obviously there are great aspects about Athens and Athenians or history would have forgotten them and we would not still study them and their ways of life. However, it is my opinion that Athenian society was not exactly …

…alone, but they are very useful to Athens if they are taken over. The above examples illustrate that Pericles knew what he was talking about and wasn't solely idealizing Athens. However, although he was correct, the Athenians are not always just and courageous. By saying nothing but good things in his speech, Pericles was not giving the whole truth, but simply doing what all public figures must do; state the best, and leave the rest.