Question

Select the correct answer.

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.
Reset Next

Answer 1

B.

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

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that best describes Demosthenes's claim is option B where he warned the people of Athens not to be lulled into a false sense of security and be prepared for anything.

This was summed up in the closing statement from the excerpt where he said, "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."