7. Study Questions Copy

We suggest that you try to answer the study questions before viewing the answers (answers can be seen by clicking on the questions below).

1. What adjectives does Cicero use about the father of the defendant? How does Cicero emphasise these qualities?

vicinitatis, virtute, existimatione. They are given as a tricolon crescens, emphasising his superior social rank amongst his qualities.

2. In what year were Sulla and Pompeius consuls? Which major event occurred in this year?

88 BC. The end of the Social War.

3. Who is the mulier to which Cicero refers? Why does he delay in mentioning her name?

Sassia, the mother of Cludentius. The delay creates suspense as to her identity, but also, it is almost as if Cicero does not wish to dignify this monstrous creature with a name.

4. Comment on Cicero’s use of the word mater in this line: nam Sassia, mater huius Habiti – mater enim a me in omni causa, tametsi in hunc hostili odio et crudelitate est, mater, inquam, appellabitur.

The word is repeated to emphasise the discrepancy between her actions/values and her status as a Roman matron.

5. What literary device is being used here, and what effect does it seek to achieve: deinde ita flagrare coepit amentia, ut eam non pudor, non pudicitia, non pietas, non macula familiae, non hominum fama, non filii dolor, non filiae maeror a cupiditate revocaret.

anaphora (the repetition of ‘non’) to hook the audience, and to show how her passion overcame all other moral scruples and considerations.

6. Pick out all the words that emphaise the family connections between Sassia, Cluentia and Aulus Melinus. Why does Cicero use them so often?

Melinus is described as the son in law of Sassia (‘generi sui’), Cluentia as filia and Sassia as mater. They imply a quasi-incestuous nature to their relationships. They are too close to each other (they are family).

7. What do you make of this section as an opening gambit? What do you think Cicero is trying to achieve?

It is essentially the start of an extended passage smearing the reputation of Sassia, which will, in turn, help to establish the awful characters of Sassia and Oppianicus Senior, and casting the defendant (Cluentius) is a positive light. This sort of character assassination was common in the Roman justice system, and Cicero has used it himself before, but we would not find this type of ad hominem attacks in modern trials.

7. Study Questions Copy

LOGIN