Genre
Philosophical book
Setting and Context
The book is set in Rome.
Narrator and Point of View
First-person narrative
Tone and Mood
The tone and mood are neutral
Protagonist and Antagonist
Cicero is the protagonist of the book.
Major Conflict
The major conflict occurs when Emperor Julius Caesar is killed. The unending wave of political turmoil follows the killing.
Climax
The climax is when Cicero decides to become a philosophical writer instead of joining politics. Cicero came from a rich and respectable family, and many expected him to join politics after the death of Emperor Caesar.
Foreshadowing
The death of Caesar foreshadowed Cicero’s future writing career as a philosopher.
Understatement
Philosophical writing is understated because many assume that they only focus on what is right. However, philosophy is the backbone of sound political formations.
Allusions
The book alludes to philosophical teachings and the need of embracing moral standards in society.
Imagery
Cicero uses sight imagery to highlight his vision for the Greeks. Cicero says, “I see that so far it happens that none of the Greeks has laboured in both kinds, pursuing both that forensic kind of speaking and this quieter kind of discussion.”
Paradox
The main paradox is that Emperor Caesar is murdered despite being regarded as the most powerful man on earth during his time.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
Morality is incarnated as having abilities to bring honor.
