La voce di Demostene: strategie della performance nella lotta politica di IV secolo

The paper deals with the ancient evidence concerning Demosthenes’ training and performance strategies as a vivid example of the developments political oratory underwent in Athens during the 4th century. The focus is on the role of the orator’s voice in expressing emotional participation with, and ethical commitment to the internal and external dramatic events on which the People had to deliberate. Through the special lens of contemporary criticism expressed by rivals in the political and intellectual scene (especially Aeschines and Demetrios of Phalerum), it is possible to see how Demosthenes consistently moved away from a paradigm of emotional self-restraint that was still defended by many traditionalist politicians, while also overtly contravening ideas about rhetoric to which the Peripatetic school had been giving credit and support.