Letters

Question 1

(62 BC) Cicero is trying to present Pompey and his amicitia as better

Answer 1

Reference to Africanus
Laelius’ into association in politics and friendship’

Question 2

(62 BC) Cicero’s self-image and pride in his achievements as consul

Answer 2

Expected ‘congratulations’ from Pompey, regarding his Consular ‘achievements’
These meant the ‘salvation of the country’, and his actions are ‘approved by the judgement and testimony of the whole world’

Question 3

‘You are a much greater man than Africanus’ I am ‘not much inferior to Laelius’ (62 BC)

Answer 3

Cicero considers Pompey his superior, but considers/ presents himself to be a crucial political ally

Question 4

The loss of libertas, and the danger inherent in speaking out through a letter, however ‘private’. (53 BC)

Answer 4

‘I do not dare to write what I feel’ - Powerless

Question 5

Loss of humour in
53 BC - seriousness of the unrest in Rome (53 BC)

Answer 5

‘I do not think there could be a good citizen who is able to laugh at this time.’

Question 6

Scholar Taylor (Letters)

Answer 6

Cicero is entirely truthful to Atticus

Question 7

Cicero acting as mediator and an advocate for peace (49)

Answer 7

He encourages Caesar ‘to persue negotiations for peace and civic harmony’
using the collective determiner ‘our’ to present amicitia between Pompey and Caesar.

He is ‘a friend of peace’ and ‘the most appropriate agent for restoring harmony.’