The Parallels Between Pericles' Funeral Oration and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

A detailed Summary of The Parallels Between Pericles' Funeral Oration and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address


The Parallels Between Pericles' Funeral Oration and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

Upon evaluating Pericles' funeral oration and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, the reader is able to clearly notice the parallels between the two speeches. Although there is a significant length difference the content of the two orations is quite similar. Throughout the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln noticeably echoes Pericles, transforms the words and ideas of his predecessor, and makes his speech resemble that of the Athenian leader.

Although many centuries separate the time these two speeches were given, it is evident that Lincoln echoes the funeral oration of Pericles. One instance in which Lincoln echoes this great leader is when he pronounces, "our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation."(lines 1-3) Pericles began his speech in the


The purpose of both Pericles' and Lincoln's speech was to commemorate those who died in battle. In giving his speech, Lincoln most likely had Pericles' oration in mind because it was given for the exact same reason Lincoln had for giving his address. Also Lincoln might had resembled Pericles' speech because he too had to install hope into the mourners. This is evident in the speech given by Pericles when he says "For these reasons I shall not commiserate with those parents of the dead...Instead I shall try to comfort them" (Thucydides p.218) In giving his speech Lincoln too tried to put forth this optimistic attitude.

Along with echoing Pericles' funeral oration, Lincoln also transforms the words and ideas of his predecessor while giving his address at Gettysburg. One way in which he does this is by stating that "all men are crea

Some common words found in the essay are:
Likewise Pericles, Address Lincoln, Lincoln Pericles', Gettysburg Address, Pericles' Lincoln's, funeral oration, gettysburg address, pericles' funeral oration, lincoln echoes, pericles' funeral, address lincoln, transforms words ideas, Lincoln's Gettysburg, giving speech lincoln, lincoln's gettysburg address, giving address, words ideas, people people, transforms words, words ideas predecessor, ideas predecessor,

Approximate Word count = 567
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

join now Save Paper



Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
    Jack M.
  • "With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
    Brian P.
  • "I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
    Sara J.
  • "I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
    Rachel W.
  • "I love this site!!!"
    Marie N.