Allegory of the Cave
In Pericle?s Funeral Oration, Pericle?s describes many different aspects of Athenian life, how it is different from other governments, and how their way of life is what we would call ?better? than other governments. Pericle?s states, ?For our government is not copied from those of our neighbors: we are an example to them rather they are to us. Our constitution is named a democracy, because it is in the hands not of the few but of the many.? What Pericle?s is trying to say here is that like almost all government of that time, the true power of the government was in the hands of one person, it was that person that made all the choices, and the citizens of the regime did not have a voice in what happens. This is unlike Athens, in which every citizen, not women however, had a voice in what the government decided. Another aspect of Athenian life is their beauty of the city. During the time when Athens was at its peak, they city was a magnificent beauty of architecture. Athenian life also was very athletic; many indulged themselves in the various contests. This was directly related to what the Athenian?s valued the most, and
to them what beauty was, the perfect body. Pericle?s states, ?No other provides so many recreations for the spirit-contest and sacrifices all the year round, and beauty in our public buildings to cheer the heart and delight the eye day by day. Moreover, the city is so large and powerful that all the wealth in the world flows to her, so that our own Attic products seem no more homelike to us than the fruits of the labors of other nations.? This means that an aspect of Athenian life is the pride they feel with the great public buildings. The contests that they have are contests to see who has the most heart, and pride. In terms of military tactics and their defense philosophy, Athens was like no other government during it?s time. ?Our military training too is different from our opponents?. The gates of our city are flung open to the world. We practice no periodical deportations, nor do we prevent our visitors from observing or discovering what an enemy might usefully apply to his own purposes. For our trust is not in the devices of material equipment, but in our own good spirits for battle.? What Pericle?s mean by this
Some common words found in the essay are:
Oration Pericles, athenian life, pericles trying, aspect athenian life, knowledge citys, aspect athenian, public buildings,
Approximate Word count = 767
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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