Demosthenes and the Language of Invective
Abstract
This article compares the vocabulary of invective used by Demosthenes with that used by other orators. Demosthenes had a reputation in antiquity for using very abusive language and a study of his speeches shows that he often uses words or expressions either not used by other orators or used only sparingly. Demosthenes also employs exclamations with the names of gods and aggressive addresses to opponents more frequently than other orators. The final part of the essay examines the personality of Demosthenes to explain why his invective is more harsh than other orators’.
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Published
2025-07-16
How to Cite
Harris, E. M. (2025). Demosthenes and the Language of Invective. Classica Et Mediaevalia, 143–167. Retrieved from https://tidsskrift.dk/classicaetmediaevalia/article/view/158145
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