THE ELEGIAC POETRY OF TYRTAEUS AND THE ETHOS OF PATRIOTISM IN LYCURGUS’ ORATORY
Keywords:
Lycurgus, the speech Against Leocrates, oratory, ancient Greek poetry, morality, law, patriotismAbstract
The literary works of ancient Greek poets were primarily part of their rhetorical education, in which the orators were acquiainted with the verses of Homer, Hesiod, Pindar, Euripides and Menander. It is widely known that poetical works are used primarily for the study of style, argumentation, subject matter and speech composition. So, the orators were deeply conscious of the importance of the study of poetry and poetic skills not only for the education, but also the culture of nation in general.
The main subject of our paper is an analysis of the role and significance of Tyrtaeus' elegiac poetry in Lycurgus’ speech Against Leocrates. Lycurgus quotes at one point in his speech Tyrtaeus, citing one of his elegies which clearly reflectes concept of virtue. After Tyrtaeus’ opinion, the greatest virtue is manifestied by the courage in war. And from this warrior ethic is developed ethos of patriotism, with which largely imbued Lycurgus oratory. According to Lycurgus, heroism represents one kind of salvation for the state especially at critical moments for its survival. On the other hand, Lycurgus stresses the necessity of respecting the legal norms of a state, as well as its tradition, because only this can save the state from a sure disaster. In this segment, his opinion coincides with Plato, who, also, like Tyrtaeus, assumes a warrior courage as a virtue. This virtue presupposes three more virtues, namely: righteousness, sobriety and wisdom. Lycurgus also regards justice as a virtue, which is the greatest good for each state.
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