Caesar Q's

30. Why does Caesar name two ambassadors (that is, Nammeius and Verucloetius)? What is the rhetorical effect of such unnecessary details? Do we believe Caesar more or less when he mentions such concrete facts as names of the ambassadors, why or why not?

31. Caesar has already told us that the Helvettii had two possible routes that they could have taken. When the Helvetii’s representatives state that they have no other route, does Caesar imply that the Helvettii are liars, especially after they utter this exaggeration immediately after stating that they will inflict no harm along the way? If so, why might Caesar have done this?

32. Why was Caesar’s consent (voluntas) necessary?

33. Caesar recalls the history of the Roman people. Rome had experienced trouble from the Helvettii in the past. Do you think that this event from the relatively distant past should have been a factor in Caesar’s decision making? Explain.

34. In sharing his own thoughts, Caesar not only repeats a word he had previously attributed to the Helvetian representatives (maleficium), but he also adds another (iniuria). Discuss the rhetorical effect of this word choice.

35. Caesar lets his readers in on a secret that he keeps from the Helvetian ambassadors. What is that secret? What is the effect on Caesar’s readers of knowing more than the ambassadors? Would his readers have felt that Caesar was taking them into his confidence? If so, why might Caesar have done this?

36. Caesar tricks the ambassadors into thinking that he might grant their request so that he can buy more time for getting his troops ready. Was this crafty statesmanship or immoral? Why?

Caesar Q

26. Notice the passive form of nuntiatum esset (line 14 WB). Caesar does not tell us who informed him, simply that he had been informed of events along the border of his province while he was still in Rome. What is the dramatic effect of this announcement (what does he do?)?

27. How does Caesar’s narrative style dramatize his  entry?

28. What were Caesar’s first steps in preparing for the emergency?

29. Do you believe that Caesar’s dramatic response was warranted by what he described was taking place among the Helvettii? Explain.

What about his descriptions might have convinced Romans that Caesar was taking proper and effective steps to protect Rome?

Caesar Q's!!

21. Conveying goods (for example, food) by land, as opposed to water, was very difficult in antiquity. why? (cite any outside sources you use)

22. If each person were bringing a 3 month supply of grain, how much would each person’s supply weigh? Consider the following: How many calories per day does one NEED? How many calories are in a pound of wheat? In other food items? (consult the almighty google).

23. What makes the Helvetti think that the Allobroges might be friendly toward them?

24. What do you think of the Helvetti’s alternate plan, if the Allobroges prove hostile? (reference what that plan is)

25. Do you think Caesar is telling us the whole story, why or why not?

Vergil BK IV Q's

9. In lines 260-264, Vergil describes Aeneas as Mercury sees him when he arrives in Carthage. What are we supposed to think of Aeneas’ appearance?

And how does his appearance complement the activities in which he is engaged?

11. Vergil describes  Aeneas’ reaction to Mercury’s speech as a combination of shock & terror (279-80). What features of Mercury’s speech and presentation are likely to have added to Aeneas’ dread?

12. In lines 281-86, Vergil vividly depicts Aeneas’ inner turmoil. What figures of speech/rhetorical devices does Vergil use in this passage to help us understand Aeneas’ emotional state of mind?

13. In lines 288-94, Vergil lists the things Aeneas decides to do. How many activities are included? List them, and discuss the effect of listing them in the order provided by Vergil.

Caesar Q's chap 3

14. What does Caesar suggest about the Helvetii by describing their trial procedures (“In chains”) and punishment (“Burning alive”)?

Were Roman methods kinder for A) citizens  and B) slaves/non-citizens? (please research and cite this info...no wiki sources!!)

15. The word “familia” means something more than just the immediate “family” in

Latin...please research what exactly is included in this word and what it means in context here. (cite and outside sources)

16. How did Orgetorix escape?

      What does per eos really mean?

17. Why would Orgetorix have killed himself? Do you find the story believable  or suspicious, why or why not?

18. What overall impression do you have of politics among the Helvetii?

     Do they seem unstable and dangerous?

     Do you think that creating such an impression was perhaps Caesar’s rhetorical goal? Why?

19. Why, after a failed coup attempt by Orgetorix, followed by his aborted trial, and mysterious death, do the Helvetii continue with Orgetorix’s plan?

What about the plan still appealed?

20. Why did the Helvetti burn everything that they could not bring with them?

Do you think that this was a sound plan, why or why not?

V BK IV Q's

5. In line 188, Vergil indicates that Fama reports both true and false rumors. Is there anything untrue about the rumors she spreads in lines 191-194

7. Iarbas’ speech to Jupiter betrays his wounded pride, much as Juno’s speech had betrayed hers in Book I 37-49. Compare these two speeches: what structural features and rhetorical devices do they have in common?

Vergil BK IV

1. The description of the storm in lines 160-168 is extremely ominous. What figures of speech/rhetorical devices does Vergil use here to increase our sense of foreboding as we read?  provide textual evidence/citations

2. How sympathetic is Vergil to Dido? Use his comments in lines 169-172 as the basis for your answer.

3. Vergil’s description of Fama (lines 173-88) creates a terrifying personification of an abstract force. Besides personification, what figures of speech/rhetorical devices does Vergil use to explain Fama’s power?

4. Scan line 181. How does the metrical pattern of the line complement its meaning?

Caesar Q's

10. Caesar tells us that Orgetorix formed a conspiracy. But then he makes a presentation to the Helvetii, and is chosen by them as their leader, after which he undertakes an official embassy (diplomacy). Where is the conspiracy?

Was is only considered conspiracy because they did it without permission of Rome or because their ultimate goal was “domination of all Gaul?”

11. what does it mean to be called a “friend”of the Roman people? The language of politics/diplomacy in Rome is highly personal. What is the difference between a “friend” and “political ally?”

12. An important political term in Latin is the word imperium.

From what verb does it derive? what does that verb mean?

How is the word used here?

13. Pledging loyalty and swearing oaths are hallmarks of conspiracy. However, loyalty was a prized Roman virtue. When is fides  (loyalty) good and when is it bad in politics?