Stylistic Features 37-49

Question 1

Sentence length

Answer 1

Pace and vividness of battle is clear throughout passage.

First sentence = lengthy = initial calm of legionaries

Contrast

Final lightening burst into action ‘velut cuneo erupit’

Question 2

Gradu immota

Answer 2

Romans maintained order + discipline

Question 3

Certo iactu tela exhauserat

Answer 3

Hard sounds of c and t sounds as if legionaries made each javelin count and helps emphasise the deadly effect of weapons

Question 4

Impetum faciunt…perfringunt

Answer 4

As action intensifies , Tacitus applies realism by use of historic present. Each unit gets its mention here so each has its effect

Question 5

Obvium et validum

Answer 5

HENDIADYS.

Two final adjectives show that the decisive action of the Romans was right in the Britons faces and was delivered w most effective force.

Question 6

Ceteri terga praebuerant

Answer 6

Essentially they fled, but in cowardly fashion. Contrast w Romans who had remained steadfast

Question 7

Circumiecta plaustra saepserant abitus

Answer 7

Britons had blocked themselves in, ironic that Tacitus has used their verb to describe Camulodunum (saeptam - protected (line22))which wasn’t enclosed, allowing Britons to rampage through. Here they find themselves trapped.

Question 8

Milites ne feminis quidem parcebant

Answer 8

Roman measures both harsh and thorough. No mercy

Question 9

Confixaque telis etiam iumenta

Answer 9

Tacitus = brief but descriptive

Pitiable sight - not even baggage animals got away unscathed

Question 10

Corporum cumulum

Answer 10

ALITERATION of letter c helps emphasise the extensive slaughter

Question 11

Laudem claram et parem antiquis victoriis

Answer 11

Tacitus underlines that it was a famous and significant roman victory

Question 12

Sunt qui… tradant… vulneratis

Answer 12

If exaggerating no of Britons dead, probably underestimating no of Romans dead and injured. Interesting that Tacitus did not consult most reliable source, memoirs of Suetonius paulinius himself.

This exaggeration together w his breif and select description suits his dramatic style and depicts in the most vivid colours the picture of the clash between the Romans and barbarians

Note here he says ‘sunt qui tradant - there are those who say’ so he can’t be held responsible for figures

Question 13

Boudica vitam veneno finivit

Answer 13

Deliberately abrupt as he closes this episode w his famous brevity.
Boudica May have escaped slaughter but had already proclaimed her intention - victory or death - and therefore her reaction to defeat is swift and uncompromising.

Cassius dio (roman historian) said Boudica fell ill and died - not compatible w Tacitus’ version of events.