Suspicious Eyes: Hypopsia and Democracy in Lysias 1 and Pericles's Funeral Oration

Abstract

Abstract This article suggests that the theme of suspicion, or lack thereof, in Lysias 1, On the Murder of Eratosthenes, draws on Pericles's description of Athenian democratic citizenry as reflected in Thucydides's Funeral Oration (2.37.2). Euphiletos's argument depends upon jurors accepting his self-image as a straightforward and trusting citizen. This self-image is crafted, in part, to be reminiscent of the ideal democratic citizen as outlined in the Funeral Oration, who practices tolerance towards his fellow citizens and protects against injustice. Lysias 1’s use of Pericles's speech as reported by Thucydides signals that the speech may be more political than previously acknowledged.