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I, Claudius Study Guide

by Robert Graves

I, Claudius study guide contains a biography of author Robert Graves, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Robert Graves’ novel opens with Claudius (or Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus) introducing himself and describing his personal motivation for writing this autobiography. According to Claudius, the existence of the text was prophesied by the Sibyl at Cumae, who declared that Claudius would “speak clear” in nineteen hundred years by writing an accurate account of his life. With that in mind, Claudius assures the readers that his narrative is a factual account of all of the importance occurrences in his life, particularly the events leading to his ascension as emperor. Claudius’ autobiography is fated to tell the true story of his life to future generations, and, in the same way, his position as emperor is also pre-ordained.

Claudius…

Read the full I, Claudius Summary

• I, Claudius Summary
• About I, Claudius
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 1-4
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 5-8
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 9-14
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 15-20
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 21-25
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 26-28
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 29-34
• Fact or Fiction: The Historical Inaccuracies of "I, Claudius"
• Related Links on I, Claudius
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• I, Claudius: Major Themes
• I, Claudius: Questions
• I, Claudius: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Robert Graves: Biography