Prose Set Text Group 2 (2023–24): Thucydides, Histories Book 6.47–6.50.1 & 6.53–6.61 — OCR A-Level Greek

Thucydides' *Histories* Book 6 covers the Athenian expedition to Sicily (415–413 BCE), a pivotal event in the Peloponnesian War. The prescribed sections (6.47–50.1 and 6.53–61) focus on the debate in Athens after the mutilation of the Herms and the profanation of the Mysteries, and the subsequent recall of Alcibiades. These passages are crucial for understanding Athenian politics, the role of religion in decision-making, and the leadership of figures like Alcibiades, Nicias, and Hermocrates. The text also explores themes of fear, suspicion, and the fragility of democracy under stress.

For OCR A-Level Greek, students must analyse Thucydides' language, style, and historiographical methods. The prescribed sections are rich in rhetorical speeches (e.g., Alcibiades' defence, Nicias' caution) and narrative techniques (e.g., vivid description of the panic in Athens). Understanding the historical context—the Sicilian Expedition's origins, the oligarchic plot, and the impact of the Herms scandal—is essential. These passages also illustrate Thucydides' interest in human nature and the causes of political failure.

This topic fits into the wider A-Level syllabus by demonstrating how Thucydides uses speeches to explore character and motivation, and how he structures his narrative to highlight turning points. Students should connect these sections to later events in Book 7 (the Sicilian disaster) and to themes like Athenian imperialism, the role of the demos, and the consequences of internal strife. Mastery of this material will enable students to write sophisticated essays on Thucydides' historical method and his views on democracy and leadership.

• →Herms and Mysteries: The mutilation of the Herms (stone statues of Hermes) and the profanation of the Eleusinian Mysteries were religious scandals that created mass hysteria in Athens, leading to a witch-hunt and political instability.
• →Alcibiades' recall: Alcibiades was a charismatic but controversial general; his recall from Sicily (accused of impiety) was a turning point, as he later defected to Sparta and gave crucial advice against Athens.
• →Rhetoric and persuasion: Thucydides presents speeches (e.g., Alcibiades' defence, Nicias' caution) that reveal character and influence decisions. Students must analyse how rhetoric shapes historical outcomes.
• →Thucydides' narrative technique: He uses vivid detail (e.g., the panic in Athens, the trial of the Herms) to create dramatic tension and to illustrate his themes of fear, suspicion, and the breakdown of trust.
• →Athenian democracy under stress: The scandal exposed the fragility of democratic institutions when faced with internal conspiracy and external threat, leading to the appointment of extreme measures like the 'Investigative Committee'.

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the prose set text.
• Understand and appreciate the literary context through reading the specified English translation (Thucydides, Histories, Book 6.8–26 and 42–46).
• Understand and appreciate the social, cultural, and historical contexts of the text, author, and audience.
• Identify, analyse, and evaluate literary techniques, characterisation, strength of argument, and literary meaning.
• Use appropriate technical terms in English to describe literary techniques and features.
• Demonstrate appropriate historical and cultural knowledge to support evaluation of the text.
• Select relevant information to support arguments and present findings in a clear, concise, and coherent manner.

• 💡Ensure familiarity with the English translation of the specified sections (6.8–26 and 42–46) to provide necessary context for the Greek text.
• 💡Focus on the analysis of Thucydides' historical narrative style and his presentation of political arguments.
• 💡Be prepared to write an essay in Section C that synthesises the set text with the wider context provided by the English reading.
• 💡Always quote the Greek text to support your points, especially key words like δεινός (terrible), στάσις (civil strife), or δημοκρατία (democracy). Show you can analyse Thucydides' vocabulary and syntax.
• 💡Link the prescribed passages to the wider narrative of Book 6 and the Sicilian Expedition. For example, discuss how the recall of Alcibiades foreshadows the disaster in Book 7. Examiners reward contextual awareness.
• 💡When analysing speeches, consider the speaker's character and purpose. For instance, Alcibiades' speech is designed to win over the assembly, but Thucydides hints at his manipulative nature. Use terms like ἦθος (character) and πάθος (emotion).

• Misconception: The mutilation of the Herms was a minor prank. Correction: It was a serious religious crime that threatened the city's relationship with the gods, and it was seen as an omen for the Sicilian Expedition. Thucydides emphasises the panic it caused.
• Misconception: Alcibiades was innocent of all charges. Correction: While he may not have been involved in the Herms mutilation, he was likely guilty of profaning the Mysteries. Thucydides presents his defence as clever but not necessarily truthful.
• Misconception: Thucydides is purely objective. Correction: Although he claims to write 'as it really happened', his selection of details and speeches reflects his own interpretation, e.g., his sympathy for Nicias and his critique of Athenian demagoguery.