Misrepresentation in Demosthenes' deliberative speeches

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the cases of misrepresentation in Demosthenes' deliberative speeches in so far as the existing evidence permits such an examination. The method of investigation was firstly to find references to the particular event described by Demosthenes in any other author, either contemporary with the event or of a later time, and then to compare these references with Demosthenes' information; secondly, to check the objectivity of our sources, and then to determine how and to what degree Demosthenes has misrepresented the facts. There follows a discussion on whether the misrepresentation was deliberate or unconscious, and on the reasons behind this deviation from the truth, considering Demosthenes' knowledge of the events, his aims, and his policy at the time he was addressing his fellow-citizens. The historical events to which Demosthenes refers have been classified as events of earlier history, and events of Demosthenes' own time. The early history is sub-divided into Macedonian history and Athenian history.The value of such a work, the reliability of the authors referred to, and the reasons why preference was given to the deliberative speeches, are examined in the introduction. Concerning the early Macedonian history, the subjects considered are: Demosthenes' information on Alexander I and Perdiccas II; their relations with Athens; and mattersconcerning the affinities between Macedonia and Greece.For early Athenian history, we have examined events and personalities of the Persian wars, and of the subsequent inter-war years. The study of Demosthenes' own time covers Philip's activities in Amphipolis, Poteidaea, Thrace, the Chersonese, and Phocis; facts concerning Philip's character; and the conditions among the Macedonians.A classification of the cases of misrepresentation, followed by an interpretation, is presented in the conclusion. The work closes with an appendix dealing with the sources of Demosthenes' historical knowledge.