Question

History of the Peloponnesian War: Pericles’ Funeral Oration:” How does the speaker gain the confidence of his listeners?

Question 14 options:

a)

By assuring them of his own painful sacrifices made for their common safety.

b)

By turning their anger against an indolent aristocratic class for which the wars are fought.

c)

By acknowledging their loss respectfully and explaining in detail the causes of war.

d)

By rousing patriotic fervor through detailing the horrible acts committed by the enemy.

Answer 1

Pericles gains the confidence of his listeners by respectfully acknowledging their loss and affirming the democratic values and political system of Athens, which fosters a shared sense of Athenian identity and pride. The correct option is (c).

Step-by-step explanation:

In the historical context provided by Thucydides in History of the Peloponnesian War, Pericles' Funeral Oration is notable for the manner in which the Athenian leader gained the confidence of his listeners.

Pericles achieves this through a respectful acknowledgment of the Athenians' loss combined with an inspirational affirmation of the democratic values and institutions of Athens.

Stressing the superiority of the Athenian political system and the justice it provides to all, irrespective of social status, he emphasizes how the constitution "favors the many instead of the few". This approach highlighted a shared sense of pride in the collective Athenian identity and participation in governance, thereby consoling and unifying his audience during a time of war.

Answer 2

The speaker gained the confidence of his listeners by rousing patriotic fervor through detailing the horrible acts committed by the enemy.

Answer: Option D

Step-by-step explanation:

The practice of funeral oration dates back to the 5th century CE. The Peloponnesian War that was fought between Athens and Lecedomanians resulted in a great loss of lives.

In order to recognize the sacrifice of the soldiers who died in the war, a respected politician named Pericles delivered a speech in the annual common funeral of the soldiers after the completion of one year of the war.

This speech intended to cease the citizens from getting demotivated from the loss caused by the war and to motivate them to keep the war going for the sake of the freedom of Athens.