As pointed out by Lewis and Reinhold, “the importance of political oratory in Roman public life ended with the fall of the Republic…training in schools degenerated into rhetorical exercises divorced from reality” (L&R II, p.198), and this sentiment is echoed by tacitus’, who takes it a step further by claiming that rhetoricians’ schools as a place where “the exercises in which they engage largely defeat their purpose” (Tacitus, Dialogue on Oratory, L&R II, p.203). However, Tacitus does not stop at the boys in school or the ignorant rhetoricians in them, but moreover he attacks “speakers of modern time” who “have no grasp of the decrees of the senate, scoff at the civil law” (Tacitus, Dialogue on Oratory, L&R II, p.206). Taking into consideration that emperors took increasingly larger control over schools (L&R II, p. 198), Tacitus is making an indirect stab at the imperial authority for the deterioration of not only civil law, including treason, but also the bringing up of boys who are being educated improperly as an effect of the tyrannous rule of the
Discuss the criticism levelled at Athenian politics by the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes, through his plays. The Ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes, criticizes Athenian politics of 426 - 422 BC through his three political satires: The Babylonians; The Knights and The Wasps. The Babylonians openly criticizes the political leader Cleon, The Wasps exploits the injustice of the Athenian jury system whilst The Knights pokes fun at the popular opinion of the infatuated public who were blind to Cleon’s manipulation of the court. "...he uses an absolutely unrestrained freedom of political satire" Through these plays Aristophanes criticizes the three main aspects of politics: the leader; the court and the people. The Babylonians is seen as the play which 'opens' the war against Cleon because it is the first political satire written by Aristophanes.
Assess the impact of the Emperor Tiberius on the Principate The impact that the Emperor Tiberius had on the principate was contested by both the ancient and modern historians through time. Ancient historians mostly comprised detested Tiberius as it was their obligation to expose the evils of the principate under the Julio-Claudians and portray its degeneration into tyranny. His flaws are highlighted by the end of his reign particularly caused by his enigmatic personality, deteriorating relationship with the senate, influence of Sejanus and the repercussions of the treason trials. Whilst modern sources illustrate him from a more positive perspective pointing out his good intentions, effectively administrating the state, vastly improving
Jenna Giammalva English 3 per.2 February 1, 2010 Ms. Lindroth Thesis: In the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain exposes how ignorance causes violence, and how personal gain overrides moral deeds through the use of satire. Mark Twain’s Notice and Pap’s ongoing diatribe reveals how ignorance undercuts one’s credibility. For example, In Mark Twain’s Notice he cites, “Persons attempting to find a plot will be shot” (2). Twain is exposing the truth in satire throughout the novel and people who don’t understand that are ignorant. In more simple terms, if you only go away from the book with only the plot then you are stupid.
This supports the claim in source 1 that Wolsey was arrogant. However the value of this in assessing Wolsey’s arrogance is reduced by the origin of the source. It comes from the satirical poet John Skelton, therefore his job was to take a comedic look at the politics at the time. So it’s possible that the intention of these words was to humour the reader, not give them an insight into the life and mind of Wolsey. In contrast to this, the report to the Venetian government portrays Wolsey as a fair, Robin Hood-like figure.
Auden utilises satire to communicate the negative perspective of dictators in "Epitaph of a Tyrant" (1939). "The UN speech on Gender Equality" (2014) by Emma Watson combines speech and literary devices to carry forward her representation of gender equality to deliver meaning. In addition, W.H. Auden's "O What is that Sound" (1936) expresses his representation of the threat of communism through poetic techniques. Both Auden and Watson effectively form representations and perspectives through the implementation of techniques within their texts.
Although the play is referred to as "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar" Caesar was partly at fault for his own death. His arrogant attitude towards Romans and his self centered attitude brought an early death upon him. Caesar received many warnings which may have saved his life but unfortunately hubris got the best of him and Caesar was brought down. Arrogance is defined as "offensive display of superiority or self importance and overwhelming pride". This was the character of Caesar in a single sentence.
Brian Villanueva Miss Sanchez Honors English 4, Period 1 14 June 2013 Perspectives on the Death of Julius Caesar On rare occasions people try to use their power of speech in order to persuade others into thinking a certain way. In William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, both Brutus and Antony speak of the justice and injustice Julius Caesar’s death in his funeral. While Brutus’ motives were said to be for the god of Rome, Antony’s were to incite the crowd. Although both men used rhetorical devices to persuade the crowd Antony’s speech had more effect on the mob or people. Brutus did indeed confess to the murder of Julius Caesar, but he said that he did it for the benefit of the roman people.
Caesar was offered a crown and although he refused it, some thought he was not sincere. In his arrogance he insulted the senate. When he was made Dictator for Life, certain members of the senate saw the danger to the Republic and began planning his assassination. Brutus uses rhetorical questions to gain the crowds maintain and lift the crowd’s attention; however, Mark Antony uses emotionally charged rhetoric devices.
Swift’s story portrays his animosity against the way England was changing. In George Orwell’s essay on the examination of “Gulliver’s Travel” he says, “Moreover, it is difficult not to feel that in his shrewder moments Gulliver is simply Swift himself, and there is at least one incident in which Swift seems to be venting his private grievance against contemporary society.” Swift’s critics have argued that he purely hates humankind, and Swift’s reply to these comments is that he only hates humankind’s folly (Chin). “Gulliver’s Travels” is a satire of the society of England during its publish, Swift ridicules the people of the time. This story is like playing a joke on someone, its subtly making fun of its readers, yet it is still popular, and how is that? Because these people were so naive and shallow, they could not see their own flaws.