Latin 520 (Tacitus).  Assignment for Week 4 (T 10/27 and Th 10/29)

 

Agr. 35-46

 

 

Ponderanda

WeÕll linger for a bit further on Mons Graupius, and on the desc. of the battle itself (you might try plotting that out for yourselves)...and discuss in connection with that the Ash article.

 

As we near the end of the Agr., concentrate on the character of Domitian in the latter chapters.  As you read, make a list (mental or otherwise) of the characteristics of Dom. Tacitus chooses to describe for you and consider why he bothers to include them.

 

Would it be fair to say that the statement at 42.4 encapsulates the purpose (or one purpose) of the Agricola?  And if so, in what ways has T. succeeded and/or failed in achieving that purpose?

 

¥Required secondary reading: J.P. Bews, "Language and Style in Tacitus' Agricola." Greece and Rome 34 (1987) 201-11.  This is available electronically: click here.

 

¥Optional browsing:

Much has been written on Tacitus' views of Domitian and the latter chapters of the Agricola.  A sample:

                  Syme, 23-24; 122-23; 210-211

                  Martin 46-49

                  Nesselhauf, H.  "Tacitus and Domitian."  Hermes 80 (1952) 222-45

                  Petersmann, G.  sect. 3 ("Agricola und Domitian") in "Der 'Agricola' des Tacitus". ANRW II.33.3 (1991) 1800-3.

                  Dšpp, S. "Tacitus' Darstellungsweise in cap. 39-43 des 'Agricola'." WJA 11 (1985) 151-67.

                  StŠdele, A. "Tacitus Ÿber Agricola und Domitian (Agr. 39-43)." Gymnasium 95 (1988) 222-35.

 

On Mons Graupius: see the survey by Hanson in ANRW II.33.3 1767-71.

 

 

¥Reports:

 

Tuesday, Nov. 17: Alberto, on reception of the Germania