Prosopopoeia in Ciceronian Oratory
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Prosopopoeia in Ciceronian Oratory Tyler Broome A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Classics University of Otago March 2021 Abstract This thesis examines the form and function of prosopopoeia in Cicero’s speeches. Prosopopoeia – the rhetorical device in which an orator fabricates and delivers a discourse as another character – offers an alternative to the orator’s own speech for the communication of information and emotion. The most recent study on the device, D.S. Mayfield’s Variants of Rhetorical Ventriloquism, suggests that “it is always significant rhetorically in whose mouth words are being put – at what time, in which context and whose presence, by which means, and (above all) in the interest of what or whom” (Mayfield 2019, 147-148). This study seeks to evaluate Mayfield’s claim in the practice of Ciceronian oratory by examining when Cicero used the device, whom he portrayed, and how the device contributed to his persuasive aims. A preliminary examination of extant rhetorical theory up to and including Quintilian provides context for Cicero’s practice, identifying a range of potential effects the device could enact. Ancient theory also raises several questions about taxonomical distinctions between types of prosopopoeia, which are briefly discussed to further contextualise Cicero’s practice. Following this, eight of Cicero’s speeches are discussed in chronological order: Pro Quinctio; Pro Roscio Amerino; In Verrem 2.5; the First Catilinarian; Pro Caelio; In Pisonem; Pro Plancio; and Pro Milone. Notable prosopopoeiae in these speeches are identified and evaluated in relation to their persuasive effect on the audience, identifying a diverse range of uses for the device such as generating indignation or pity, and the delineation of characters. Particular attention is paid to the significance of the choice of speaking character and to the emotion generated through the change in speaking-situation. I argue that several patterns emerge in Cicero’s use of the device, many of which have a grounding in rhetorical theory. Moreover, I suggest that it is possible to divide Cicero’s use of prosopopoeia into three categories based on the type of speaking character: deceased and abstract individuals, representations of a client, and representations of an opponent. This investigation shows that these categories present different means of delineating characters, and are attuned to achieving different persuasive effects. i Acknowledgements First and foremost, I would like to thank my supervisor, Professor Jon Hall, for all his support and patience while I have puzZled my way through Cicero’s writings. I have enjoyed our discussions about what exactly Cicero was trying to achieve, and I have learned a great deal from you throughout the year – believe me, I’ll get that first draft written quicker next time! I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Classics Programme at the University of Otago. The lecturers, fellow postgraduates, and administrative staff have been incredibly supportive throughout my time here, and I could not have been more thrilled to work with such an amaZing group of people. I am also grateful to the University of Otago for providing me with the Bruggeman Postgraduate Scholarship in Classics and allowing me to undertake this project. Finally, I want to thank my friends and family. No number of words can express how thankful I am to have had the support of every one of you. In particular, I thank my parents, Stacey and Jared, for always providing a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and some choice words of encouragement; and I thank my partner – the light at the end of the tunnel didn’t always feel bright, but I’m glad I had you around to brighten every day. ii Contents Abstract…………………………………………………………………………… .......... i Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................ ii Contents .............................................................................................................................. iii Preface ................................................................................................................................ v Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter One: Prosopopoeia in rhetorical theory .............................................................. 5 Hellenistic theory: Demetrius’ On Style ............................................................................. 5 Republican Roman theory: De Inventione Rhetorica and Rhetorica ad Herennium ......... 6 Cicero’s later treatises: De Oratore and Orator ................................................................. 13 Quintilian’s Institutio Oratoria .......................................................................................... 16 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 19 Chapter Two: Characterisation and indignatio in the pre-consular orations ..................... 21 “Open declarations” in Pro Quinctio .................................................................................. 22 Typecasting in Pro Roscio Amerino ................................................................................... 27 Indignation in In Verrem .................................................................................................... 36 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 41 Chapter Three: Dual representations in the First Catilinarian ......................................... 42 Contextual considerations ................................................................................................... 43 Patria to Catiline: a fearing parent ..................................................................................... 47 Patria to Cicero: a contest of virtue ................................................................................... 51 The patria as an inconsistent personality ........................................................................... 56 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 57 Chapter Four: Narrative building in Pro Caelio ............................................................... 59 Appius Claudius Caecus: the severe ancient ...................................................................... 61 Clodius: a modern perspective ........................................................................................... 70 The comic fathers ............................................................................................................... 76 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 80 Chapter Five: Addressing friends and enemies in In Pisonem and Pro Plancio ............... 82 In Pisonem .......................................................................................................................... 82 Pro Plancio ......................................................................................................................... 88 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 94 Chapter Six: Character and justice in Pro Milone ............................................................. 96 Addressing Pompey ............................................................................................................ 98 iii The ethica digressio: a “glorious untruth” ......................................................................... 100 The peroratio: pity and pride .............................................................................................. 105 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 109 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 112 Bibliography ....................................................................................................................... 119 Appendix: Prosopopoeiae cited ......................................................................................... 136 iv Preface i) The first time I refer to an individual, I present their full name, for example, Marcus Tullius Cicero or Appius Claudius Caecus. Further references will refer to the cognomen only, for example, Cicero or Caecus. The exceptions to this are Publius Clodius Pulcher and Marcus Caelius Rufus, to whom I refer by their most well recognised names, Clodius and Caelius. ii) References to ancient texts have been abbreviated according to the guidelines of Hornblower, S., A. Spawforth and E. Eidinow, eds. (2012). The Oxford Classical Dictionary. 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press. iii) In Chapter Four (page 69) a list of consuls in the gens Claudia is presented; the RE numbers refer to Pauly, A., G. Wissowa and W. Kroll (1893-). Real-Encyclopädie der klassischen Altertumswissenschaft. Stuttgart: J.B. MetZler. v Introduction A person’s authority is derived from the value others place on their character. This idea holds especially true among the aristocracy of