Passage 1 Notes

Question 1

How are Vorenus and Pullo described?

Answer 1

‘fortissimi viri’ (very brave men) the superlative emphasises their bravery and shows that they are great warriors.
‘primis ordinibus’ (first ranks) they are great warriors and shows their ambition and status and creates an anticipation of heroism.

Question 2

How is Vorenus and Pullo’s conflict shown?

Answer 2

‘perpetuas…controversias’ (continual disputes) shows how their conflict is ongoing and the HYPERBATON creates gap between these words which also emphasises the length of their rivalry.

Question 3

How would you describe their conflict?

Answer 3

Fierce. ‘omnibusque annis’ (every year) so again emphasises the continuity of their rivalry and how on going it is. ‘summis simultatibus’ (highest, quarrels) the fierceness of the quarrels are highlighted through the SIBILANCE and summis is a superlative.

Question 4

How are Pullo and Vorenus shown to be great warriors?

Answer 4

‘acerrime’ (it was being fought most fiercely) is a superlative adverb shows how brave Caesar’s men are (makes them seem even better when they win).

Question 5

Describe their quarrel.

Answer 5

‘cum…pugnaretur’ (when the fight as going on) IMPERSONAL PASSIVE makes it ambiguous as to wether it is the battle of the men or the war. This compares/describes the two emphasising the seriousness of their quarrels.

Question 6

What is the tone of Pullo’s speech?

Answer 6

Cocky and taunting