4. Study questions Copy

1. In the first sentence, how does Tacitus use language to emphasise Messalina’s emotional state?

She is described as burning with an almost insane love. He uses assonance to emphasise how she is consumed by this passion.

2. How does he reiterate this in the next sentence?

He uses the verb ‘exarserat’.

3. What does Tacitus say would have happened to Silius if he had refused Messalina’s advances?

He would be killed.

4. What did Silius decide to do?

He decided to ignore the future and enjoy the present.

5. How did Messalina behave?

She was very open about their relationship and showered him with gifts.

6. Pick out examples of the following, and comment on how they are being used: a) alliteration b) tricolon

a) the repetition of ‘m’ sounds in line 3: emphasises how Silius’ was discarded from the marriage. In line 4, long vowel sounds (‘o’) show Silius as a man ready to be snapped up by his predatory lover. b ) servi, liberti, parutus principis: showing how everything (even the furnishings) was being transferred from the ownership of Claudius to Silius.

4. Study questions Copy

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