An Author's Lapse

Created by: Elodie Commissaris
Created on: 03-05-18 10:34

short sentences

the sentences are short and uncomplicated because Cicero's only interest is conveying information so refrains from ostentation. This, similarly to Domestic Design, is candid and to the point.

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qui non meminissem me abusum isto prohoemio

This is not surprising given the political situation that he was living through ie the assassination of the Julius Caesar and the beginning of the war between Octavius, Caesar’s heir, and the two assassins, Brutus and Cassius and their followers.

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volumen

'volume' Roman books were written in vertical columns on a roll of papyrus which was rolled open when read - thus, volume

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σύγγραμμα

'to write' in Greek. Cicero finds the exact word he wants for 'literary composition' more readily in Greek. Cicero uses this Greek term to describe his work and demonstrates he is bilingual

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abusum

The prefix 'ab-' conveys the sense of completeness - once used it cannot be used again

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conieci

'conicere' is the normal word for hurling a missile, suggesting Cicero's careless haste

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in navi

Cicero wrote this letter in Italy with a vague plan to cross to Greece to escape the aftermath of the murder of Ceasar

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tu illud desecabis, hoc aggluntinabis

'desecabis' and 'agglutinabis' are in the future tense because it is more polite than the imperative

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dices

Future tense is used here as a polite imperative

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Piliae... Atticae

Pilia was Atticus' wife and Attica his daughter

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deliciis atque amoribus meis

A nice touch at the end makes us realise that even people such as Cicero were human.

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Back

qui non meminissem me abusum isto prohoemio

Card 3

Front

'volume' Roman books were written in vertical columns on a roll of papyrus which was rolled open when read - thus, volume

Back

Card 4

Front

'to write' in Greek. Cicero finds the exact word he wants for 'literary composition' more readily in Greek. Cicero uses this Greek term to describe his work and demonstrates he is bilingual

Back

Card 5

Front

The prefix 'ab-' conveys the sense of completeness - once used it cannot be used again

Back

View more cards

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An Author's Lapse