Epitaph to Claudia

How does the epitaph encourage the passer-by to read it?

Opens directly with the vocative "hospes" ("stranger"): the tomb addresses the passer-by personally. Direct address is followed by the imperatives "asta ac perlege" ("stand still
and read through")

How does the epitaph add focus to Claudia's name?

By a polyptoton : "nomen parentes nominarunt Claudiam"("her parents gave her the name Claudia"). Moreover

hospes

quod dico paulum est

asta ac perlege.
hic est sepulcrum haut pulchrum pulchrae feminae:
nomen parentes nominarunt Claudiam

Stranger

How does the author draw attention to what they consider important about Claudia?

"suum maritum corde dilexit suo": this line highlights Claudia's deep love for her husband: ideal Roman wife. The enclosing order "suum … suo"

suum maritum corde diletti suo.
natos duos creavit: horum alterum
in terra linquit

alium sub terra locat

When do you think the qualities sermone lepido and incessu commodo would have been important in a Roman woman's life?

Had to demonstrate charming conversation. This would have been in private: a 'good wife' was expected to be silent when politics or business was discussed

How does the author's style of writing make it clear the epitaph has ended?

"dixi. abi": the final short words mirror the short imperatives in line 1 and send the reader back on their journey.

semone lepido

tum autum Incesu commodo.
domum servavit