Emotion, life history and law: Demosthenes and the architecture of the speech Against Meidias

Abstract

[Extract] Demosthenes wrote the speech Against Meidias when he was approximately 37 years of age, in 347-6 BC. Amongst the key ingredients of the discourse, which has become one of the most famous he wrote, lies an attempt to reveal public speaking experience and legal expertise in the media of the time, a strong desire to present himself as unscathed by events and a desire to become a credible public figure. The design of the speech apparently resulted from a study devoted to a presentation at the ekklesia. Whether it was or was not pronounced remains unclear. The extent to which these factors contribute to a better understanding of the preparation of this speech, particularly with regard to its guidance and legal reasoning, is what will be discussed below.[...]