The Orations of Lysias

"The Orations of Lysias" by Lysias is a compilation of legal arguments crafted in ancient Greece that showcases the power of persuasive speaking. The collection focuses on court cases and societal problems and demonstrates the author's powerful abilities in convincing audiences through rhetoric and logical reasoning pertaining to fairness, ethical conduct, and obligations to the community. The "Funeral Oration," a particularly moving speech within the collection, serves to commend soldiers who gave their lives to protect Athens, highlighting their bravery and strong moral character. It expresses patriotism and obligation, using stories from the past that emphasizes Athenian morals, mainly the need to defend what is right and democracy, therefore establishing honor that carries through the rest of the collection and validating the author's purpose to regard the dead while uniting the Athenian citizens.