Eulogy, Part I

All of these eulogies contain logos/ergon; the speakers all share some of the things that their predecessors worked on and achieved during their lives, particularly how they served their country. The death of a former president is similar to those who die in war, in that they will mainly be remember for how they served their country, and their eulogies reflect this.  The Presidents also all speak about the positive qualities of those who they are eulogizing.  Following this, there is a tendency to share what lesson can be learned from the life and accomplishments of the deceased. Another common element seems to be describing a strong, lasting connection between the deceased presidents and their country. Nixon said of Eisenhower "He did come from the heart of America, not only from its geographical heart, but from its spiritual heart." Clinton said of Nixon "His life was bound up with the striving of our whole people, with our crises and our triumphs." 

Of these four eulogies, Nixon's eulogy of Eisenhower includes the most elements of the epitaphios logos. This isn't surprising, because of the three presidents eulogized, Eisenhower was generally considered the most heroic. He was more popular with the people, being the only of these three to serve two full terms as President. The Eisenhower eulogy includes the use of antitheses, a feature commonly seen in the epitathios logos. Nixon says "We gather today in mourning, but also in gratitude. We mourn Dwight Eisenhower's death, but we are grateful for his life." With these words paramythetikon is also apparent, as he reminds his audience to be grateful and comforted by all that Eisenhower did and all that he represented. Dikaion is another element apparent in the eulogy, as Nixon describes the event as a celebration of Eisenhower's greatness.