Thucydides VS Melians Actions

A detailed Summary of Thucydides VS Melians Actions

The text "The Melian Dialogue" is a documentary, written by Thucydides, of the statements made by the Athenians and the Melian in their pre-war discussions. The behaviors of the Athenians, during these talks, are inconsistent with the overall ideals of civic virtue expressed by Pericles in his 'Funeral Oration'. This inconsistency is shown through actions of the Athenians against the Melians during their discussions, also the Athenian views on justice and why Athens is a great city.

Firstly, we can see a difference in circumstances between the two sets of text. The Athenian text is a two-way conversation where questions are raise and answered, also a deep power struggle between the Melians is occurring. Each culture is looking out for it's own best interest. Democracy is not strong motive in their debate, where as self-preservation is, Especially in the Melians cases. Contrary to this, Percicles is speaking to a large group. There are no questions to be answered

However in both these texts two different attitudes of the Athenians are present. Pericles, in his speech, defines his form of government as a 'Democracy'; adding, "Our form of government does not enter into rivalry with the institutions of others. We do not copy our neighbors but are an example to them." (Thucydides p.6) However, if we look at the actions of the Athenians, we see that they are pushing the Melians for their support, or they will enter in to a 'rivalry'. This is shown through the opening argument of the Athenians,

Here we see the Athenians beginning their arguments in a forceful way. This leaves the Melians in a weaker position both culturally (grouping the Melians in the same context as the Lacedaemonians (Spartans), even though they do not take part in their exploits) as well as politically, pushing their military prowess in the Melians faces. The Athenians are imposing their beliefs on to a separate and individual culture; this is strictly ag

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Approximate Word count = 654
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History

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