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Read this excerpt from "The Third Philippic," written by Demosthenes in 342 B.C.:

It is this fate, I solemnly assure you, that I dread for you, when the time comes that you make your reckoning, and realize that there is no longer anything that can be done. May you never find yourselves, men of Athens, in such a position! Yet in any case, it were better to die ten thousand deaths, than to do anything out of servility towards Philip [or to sacrifice any of those who speak for your good]. A noble recompense did the people in Oreus receive, for entrusting themselves to Philip’s friends, and thrusting Euphraeus aside! And a noble recompense the democracy of Eretria, for driving away your envoys, and surrendering to Cleitarchus! They are slaves, scourged and butchered! A noble clemency did he show to the Olynthians, who elected Lasthenes to command the cavalry, and banished Apollonides! It is folly, and it is cowardice, to cherish hopes like these, to give way to evil counsels, to refuse to do anything that you should do, to listen to the advocates of the enemy’s cause, and to fancy that you dwell in so great a city that, whatever happens, you will not suffer any harm.

In this speech, Demosthenes tries to warn people about an attack on Greece. Which statement best describes Demosthenes's claim?

A.
Demosthenes wants Athenians to believe that Athens is secure and no enemy can enter their country.
B.
Demosthenes warns Athenians not to be naïve and to be prepared for any circumstances.
C.
Demosthenes assures Athenians that nothing will change as long as their enemies don’t attack the city.
D.
Demosthenes claims that Athens will be destroyed because several Athenians have joined the enemy’s side.

2 Answers

7 votes

Answer:

i know the answer is b

Step-by-step explanation:

Demosthenes warns Athenians not to be naïve and to be prepared for any circumstances.

User CybeX
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4 votes

Answer:

B. Demosthenes warns Athenians not to be naïve and to be prepared for any circumstances.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speaker of the text says that he does not want Athens to be dominated and enslaved, because this is a bad situation and no living being deserves it. For Athens to always be a free and secure nation, Demosthenes says that people must be suspicious of everything and smart. A nation cannot be naive and must always be prepared for anything that wants to threaten the sovereignty of the nation and the freedom of the people.

User QuantumChris
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