Hello, I've been reading the Landmark edition of Thucydides, currently I'm in book 3. On the whole I'd say I'm enjoying it, though some parts are more interesting/easier to read than others. The speeches in particular are very enjoyable.
I was under the impression that Thucydides would provide a good deal of analysis of the events and characters, but so far I've found that the vast majority is 'just' a recounting of the events that transpire. I've also read that he has certain insights that make his analysis applicable to modern-day geopolitics, which I thought would be very interesting to read. So far I wouldn't say that has been the case. I suppose I'm wondering if he will provide more commentary later in the book? For those who've read it, what are some memorable parts (other then e.g. the funeral oration in book 2)?
Thanks a lot.
If you are looking for Thucydides to announce to you that he is now analyzing this or that, you won't find it. His commentary is subtle and nuanced. In Book 3, the debate about Mytilene is filled with interesting subtexts about the rights and wrongs of hegemony, about the desire of self-determination, and about the perceived role of the Lakedaimonians as "liberators" of the Greeks. We also get one of many times that Thucydides demonstrates to us the fickle and destructive recklessness of the radical democracy at Athens. Read 3.36 carefully, and look for Thucydides' voice and tone. Then immediately after this we get Cleon's speech, and with it a naked commentary on the incredibly insidious power of a demagogue with an effective platform. For an eerily similar parallel to Cleon in modern times, look no further.
As for what is coming, you'll have to keep reading to find out. Still in Book 3 is the famous Thucydidean description of stasis (political strife) on Corcyra, applicable to any era ancient, medieval, or modern. Book 4 is very good, with 425 being perhaps the second-most famous year of the war (next to 415).