Question

I have dwelt upon the greatness of Athens because I want to show you that we are contending for a higher prize than those who enjoy none of these privileges, and to establish by manifest proof the merit of these men whom I am now commemorating. . . . in magnifying the city I have magnified them, and men like them whose virtues made her glorious.
–Pericles’s Funeral Oration, 431 BCE

What is the main idea of the underlined phrase?

1 People who live in Athens are fighting to protect their privileged way of life.
2 Those who live in Athens can win more privileges by fighting.
3 Dwelling in Athens does not bring greatness.
4 Enjoying Athens’s privileges can lead to conflict.

Answer 1

The paragraph selected here is a passage from Pericle's Funeral Oration, said during a public funeral for those deceased during war. The funeral oration is longer than what is presented here and dwells into what makes Athens special, such as its democratic nature and the character of its people.

The passage mentions the greatness of Athens, as to show what is at stake if war is lost. Then, it remembers those who died defending Athens and moves on to encourage its citizens to continue fighting for its city.

The whole point of the speech is to boost the morale of the attending citizens and to encourage their support on the war effort. From the paragraph selected here, we can deduce that the main idea is 1 - People who live in Athens are fighting to protect their privilieged way of life.

Answer 2

Answer: the correct answer is. A

Explanation: