Trivium
Thucydides: The Peloponnesian WarGrade 7dialectic Stage

Pericles' Funeral Oration

The Text

What You'll Learn

1

Comprehension

Identifies the occasion: public funeral for war dead, with Pericles "chosen by the state" to speak from "an elevated platform"

2

Cause & Consequence

Explains why Pericles praises Athens before the dead: "to show that our stake in the struggle is not the same as theirs who have no such blessings to lose"

3

Meaning

Takes a position on whether Pericles' vision of Athens - democracy, openness, merit - is admirable

4

Defense

Explains why the counterargument has merit

How It Works

Your AI tutor will guide you through this text using the Socratic method. Instead of giving you answers, it asks questions that help you discover the meaning for yourself.

  • 1.Read the text carefully
  • 2.Answer the tutor's questions in your own words
  • 3.Progress through each stage as you demonstrate understanding
Start This Lesson

Free to try. No credit card required.