Description
The Making of Identities in Athenian Oratory (PDF) offers a profound exploration into the often overlooked subject of identity formation within Athenian oratory. This enlightening text is a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts engaging with historical speeches, investigating identity in ancient Greece, or delving into the broader fields of rhetoric and public oration.
This collection centers on the existing speeches from significant Athenian political arenas, including the Assembly, law courts, and the Council, dating back to the fifth and fourth centuries BCE. The essays critically examine the intricate ways in which speakers constructed and deconstructed their own identities and those of their adversaries, employing these strategies as tools for persuasion or manipulation of the audience.
Depending on the context, speakers could portray the Athenian populace as a cohesive unit or as a diverse set of factions, skillfully navigating differences and similarities between Athenians and their Hellenic counterparts, as well as between Greeks and ‘barbarians.’ The artful use of names and naming conventions emerged as crucial mechanisms in both the (de)construction of individual identities. In various instances, Athenian civic identity could be portrayed through elements such as honorific titles, ethnic backgrounds, socio-economic classes, or religious affiliations. Additionally, within the courtroom context, the specific physical setting and procedural rules of an Athenian trial contributed to a unique yet fleeting shaping of the identities of all involved.
For those interested in shedding light on the interplay between rhetoric and identity in ancient discourse, The Making of Identities in Athenian Oratory serves as an invaluable resource.
ISBNs: 978-1000764086, 978-0429277023, 978-0367228200
IMPORTANT NOTE: This product comprises solely the eBook in PDF format; no access codes are included with your purchase.
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