Analysis of Pericles Speech - Essay Example

He holds the idea that for the country to achieve democracy, the orators are obliged with the work of pushing for democracy in loyalty to those who died fighting for it.Another element of Pericles speech is the omission of the mention of the great martial achievements of the Athens past. While he feels that the praise of the martial war is an important aspect of the war, he feels that this is covered sufficiently and opts to talk about the road that they have used to reach the current position.

Pericles states that “that part of our history that tells of the military achievements which gave us our several possessions…area theme too familiar…. and I shall, therefore, pass it by” (Pericles 4). A good part of his speech focuses on the path that the country has used to reach its freedom. The idea of Pericles is that the pursuit of democracy is a journey that the people should understand to be able to know where to start. Therefore, the speech appreciates the achievements of those who died in the war and informs the public on the need to join in the journey.

The third element of the speech of Pericles is the praise of the greatness of the Athens. In his speech, Pericles focused on the key features of democracy in Athens and the way these have given the country its greatness. He states, “…advancement in public life falls to reputations for capacity, class considerations not being allowed to interfere with merit…at Athens, we live exactly as we please…” (Pericles 5). The idea of Athens is that the maintenance of openness and liberty pave way for greatness, but do not inhibit development.

Pointing out to the values of democracy, Pericles gives out the message that the people must uphold these values if the country has to maintain liberalism, which is crucial for modern democracy.Lincolns and Pericles speech are similar in their reference to the idea of democracy in the country.