Persuasive Language in Cicero
Subtitle: A close reading and commentary
Contributors: Fotheringham, Lynn S.
Publisher: University of London Press
Published: 2013
Place of publication: London
Number of pages: 520
Subjects: Ancient history: to c 500 CE
Description: This innovative approach to Cicero's persuasive language analyses the style and structure of one of his important speeches in more detail than has ever been done before. It applies ideas from modern linguistics (sentential topic, lexical patterning, interactional discourse), and explores the possibilities and limitations of quantitative analysis, made easier by modern computing power, in the areas of syntax and vocabulary. The result is a reading of the Pro Milone as a unified text, whether aimed at persuading the jury to acquit Milo or at persuading a wider audience that Milo should have been acquitted. This reading not only contributes to our understanding of late republican discourse, but also suggests a new methodology for using the study of language and style to illuminate literary/historical aspects of texts.
Notes: Open Access Unrestricted online access

Creative Commons https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-by-nc-nd/4.0/

English