In his speech, Pericles sheds new light on traditional Greek virtues by examining not only the achievements of the Athenian empire, but also the particular qualities and institutions that facilitated Athenian greatness . Pericles challenges the traditional role of a funeral orator as historian of Athenian achievements in order to thoroughly redefine what makes Athens great. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Pericles begins his speech by outlining the difficulty of his task: to please those in the audience who were close to the dead with stories of glory and honor without dismissing the citizens of Athens, who, according to Pericles, do not want to hear the praises of the dead only as long as they can be convinced that they are also great (II.35). In light of the conflicting appetites of his audience, Pericles declares that he will abandon the funeral orator's habit of recounting the great achievements of Athenian history because they are "too familiar to my listeners for me to lingers there” (II.36). Instead, Pericles is interested in exploring the peculiar spirit of Athens and the institutions that facilitated its prosperity and greatness. In the remainder of his speech, Pericles engages in a characterization of the essence of Athens. He asserts that the uniqueness of the Athenian constitution stems from its bold innovation. The Athenians live under a rule of law which favors the many over the few and which considers citizens equal before the law (II.37). Thus, he asserts that it was the nature of Athenian politics (i.e., the theory and practice of how to live) that allowed him to achieve greatness. The institution of equality inherent in their democracy is, according to Pericles, what facilitates the brotherhood and friendship that Athenians feel towards each other: "we do not feel obliged to be angry with our neighbor because that he does what he wants” (II. 37). But this friendliness among citizens has not diminished the strength or esteem of Athens because all Athenians contribute to efforts to maintain international strength. Pericles praises the citizens for their devotion to Athens, which they love even more than money or wealth: “we employ wealth more for use than for demonstration” (II.40). He challenges his listeners to imagine a citizen more innovative, independent, and strong than the Athenian (II.41). After examining the special qualities of the Athenians, it appears that their ability to both rule and be ruled is what he considers most essential. To prove the achievements that Pericles attributes to the unique virtues of Athenian society, he turns to what he sees as the unrivaled power of the empire. It is at this point in his speech that Pericles returns to the purpose of the occasion. He implores his audience to view the deaths of the Athenians as valiant sacrifices in favor of a world-historical regime. These men died “resisting, rather than submitting, they fled only in the face of dishonor…[and] left behind them not their fear, but their glory” (II.42). In this way, Pericles argues that there is something particularly honorable in a man who dies in the performance of a great duty, that of maintaining and protecting a great empire (II.43). Moreover, these sacrifices are not in vain because “heroes have the whole earth as their tomb”; they live in the Athenian spirit and become part of the very fabric of Athenian society (II.43). Finally, Pericles uses his praise to implore his listeners not to hesitate to make the same sacrifice. He urges »..