23. Study Questions Copy

1. Why does Cicero call upon the gods at the beginning?

To help him explain Sassia’s nature.

2. What literary device does he use when he asks his rhetorical questions?

A tricolon.

3. How does Cicero emphasise Sassia’s long list of crimes?

By using praeteritio: drawing attention to her crimes by saying that he will not mention them.

4. What does Cicero say Sassia should have done?

Fled from her husband (if she had had any moral ethics).

5. What does he say she spent all her time doing?

Plotting to destroy her son, Cluentius.