Question

I have dwelt upon the greatness of Athens because I want to show you that we are contending for a higher prize than those who enjoy none of these privileges, and to establish by manifest proof the merit of these men whom I am now commemorating. . . . in magnifying the city I have magnified them, and men like them whose virtues made her glorious.

—Pericles’s Funeral Oration,
431 BCE

What is Pericles saying in the underlined phrase?

People who live in Athens are fighting for great privileges.
Speaking about Athens makes the men who died seem less important.
The men of Athens are virtuous, just as the city of Athens is.
Virtue is unimportant to the people who live in Athens.

Answer 1

The correct choice is: "The men of Athens are virtuous, just as the city of Athens is."

Explanation: Pericles says that by praising the city he is also praising the men whose virtues made the city glorious—so the city's greatness reflects the men's virtue.