Western Civilization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Western Civilization - Essay Example According to Thucydides, Hobbes & Greene (1989), in the speech, Pericles depict the society of Athens as democratic. He purports that democracy allows men to advance based on merit and not because of wealth or what they inherit. The speech describes the society of Athens as one where citizens portray lawful behavior without any fear. Pericles observe that the system of governance in Athens does not assert that imitate laws of their neighboring countries. Thucydides, Hobbes, & Greene (1989) Democracy in Athens comes out clearly when Pericles says that the administration system respects the multitude. Therefore, the society of Athens can be described as democratic since it gives all the citizens equal rights and freedom. Thucydides write that the Athens constitution favors the majority and not a few. The laws offer equal justice to all people, in cases of private conflicts and differences. Pericles note that the Athens society does not favor people based on class differences. Merit takes precedence in all aspects of the democratic Athens society. Additionally, democracy in Athens gives equal chances to those who want to serve the state. Pericles maintain that freedom and democracy enjoyed in Athens spreads to the ordinary life (Thucydides, Hobbes & Greene, 1989). I feel that Pericles did not idealize or exaggerate the Athenian democracy. He portrayed positivity and strength to his people, which many followed. Pericles can be described as a powerful and confident leader; people followed actions of Pericles governance. Lysistrata conveys her opinion concerning the place of women in the Greek society. She is against the fact that the Athens democracy only consists of men. Lysistrata has the feeling that the Greek society does not recognize women’s strength and abilities. In her opinion, women have similar abilities to men and can do everything, which men can do. In Periclean Athens, women did not