The concept of panegyric is linked to praise.
Panegyric is a term linked to praise , praise or compliments dedicated to something or someone. The concept, originating in the Latin panegyricus (which, in turn, derives from Greek), can be used as a noun (the words or texts of praise) or as an adjective (the qualification that these expressions receive).
The panegyric can be pronounced to praise a certain territory. Some victory and war songs are also given this name, and even the prayers and songs that are sung during a wedding or a ritual. The term panegida has the same origin and is used to name the masses in Russian.
For example: "The governor spent forty minutes giving a eulogy about the minister" , "I am tired of hearing eulogies about the benefits of this product" , "His last book was a eulogy of the socialist revolution" .
Differences between a eulogy and a descriptive text
It is easy to differentiate between a descriptive text and a panegyric: you have to analyze the adjectives used. A text that is limited to describing the characteristics of a construction may indicate expressions such as "The building, which is large in size, has three rooms. Its ceiling is red, while its decoration is minimalist . A panegyric on the same construction , on the other hand, would indicate: «The monumental building, which reflects the brilliant ability of its talented designer, has three majestic rooms. Its red ceiling is moving due to its beauty, while the minimalist style decoration generates a very deep emotion .
Panegyrics, as texts, are often condemned for their lack of critical sense . These types of manifestations are limited to exalting what they praise, leaving aside any nuance or contrary point of view. Panegyrics are common in areas where discussion, exchange of ideas and critical reflection are not frequent, as is the case of totalitarian regimes.
Panegyrics praise and exalt.
Its parts and elements
In the center of the panegyric, the most relevant virtues and events of the object in question are exalted, which can be a person, a situation, an event, an anniversary or a place. The parts of this speech are the following: an exordium , which serves to justify the act itself; a demonstration , which allows the story of each virtue to be developed; an epilogue , which gives an apotheotic closure to the anniversary. It is worth mentioning that in a eulogy there is no room for refutation.
Among the elements that must be part of a panegyric speech are figures of style and rhetoric , making use of all types of ornaments and tools to amplify the content. It is a necessarily exaggerated, dramatized speech that magnifies the object being honored by all means.
Origin of the word panegyric
Regarding the origin of the word panegyric, it is worth mentioning that the god Apollo , one of the most important in Greco-Roman mythology, was known by this nickname. This term was also used in the theater of Ancient Greece to give the name to a song of triumph or praise to the recently mentioned god. The context of these songs was a choir that used to articulate the works to facilitate the understanding of the story , at the same time as livening up the evening. On the other hand, Panegyric was an ancient Greek god who was associated with protecting the health of his people.
The ancient Romans used the term panegyric to designate the speech given by the consuls before the emperor after having been elected, as a symbol of gratitude and to express their admiration and respect. There is a famous panegyric made by Aristides in praise of his Empire, which highlights the admirable discipline of his army, the effectiveness of the system to satisfy his people, the constant development of his cities and the undeniable flourishing of his commerce.