To His Friends 2.4 to Curio Flashcards
1
Q
to
A
curio
2
Q
name
A
2.4
3
Q
date
A
53 Bc
4
Q
context
A
- LOW POINT: shows Ciceros depression - Strained political times: riots in the streets of Rome; Crassus recently died at the battle of Carrhae
- Breakdown of the triumvirate
- Cicero is retired and writing philopshy because he can’t win, not happy
5
Q
para 1
A
- speaks of how letters should be written to be informative, funny, or serious
- says his life is so bleak that he has nothing to write about
- he doesn’t know if a serious or funny letter would be less suitable in the current political climate
- he is so depressed and all of rome is so depressed due to loss of libertas that no one can even crack a joke
- he is too scared to write his real feelings even in a private letter
6
Q
para 2
A
urges Curiro to aim high
tells him he has a rival - the expectations people have of him
gives advice
says he loves him
7
Q
key quotes: ciceros boredom
A
‘ as for my own affairs, they are without anything new’
8
Q
key quotes: political situation
A
‘I do not think there could be a good citizen who is able to laugh at this time’
‘ i do not dare to write what i feel and i do not wish to write what i feel’
‘what could cicero write to curio about which could be more serious than the republic?
9
Q
key quotes: Relationship with Curio
A
‘i would write more, if i were not confident that you are eager enough on your own!’
‘if i have mentioned this subject… it is to demonstrate my love for you’
