2.4 - to curio

who is curio?

-a young anti-caesarian politician, mentioned in cicero's previous letter

what is the main message of cicero's letter to curio?

-he wants to get on the same page as his and establish amicitia

when did cicero write to curio?

53BC

who did cicero write to in 53BC?

curio

what is the tone of cicero's letter to curio?

informal (with a formal, political undertone)

what is the significance of cicero's letter to curio?

-they both oppose the triumvirate - basis for friendship

-political situation inhibits and restricts freedom of speech

themes of curio letter

-restricted freedom of speech (libertas)

-the art of letter writing

how does cicero motivate curio?

-tells him to make a name for himself, puts himself on a pedestal / mentor position for him to look up to, follow in his footsteps, to follow the cursus honorum and establish a career

-cicero sees him as a kindred spirit and figure of hope for the future

what is the political situation in 53BC?

-there is a huge threat of gang violence and riots throughout rome (from clodius and rival gangs) (which prevent elections)

-threat of the triumvirate

-friction between pompey and caesar (death of julia, crassus death, impending civil war)

how does cicero persuade curio to keep his ambitions high?

"aim for the highest praise"

"extraordinary expectations"

"you are eager enough on your own"

-flatters him in order to motivate him and win his affection, get him as an ally

what does cicero tell curio to do?

-overcome caesar and triumvirate "rival" -> achieved by "deliberately developing, with continuous effort, the necessary qualities with which you will achieve your purpose"

-motivating him to do what is best for the republic

what does cicero say about the political situation in his letter to curio?

"i do not think there could be a good citizen who is able to laugh at this time" - cynical, loss of faith, pessimistic

how does cicero show frustration in his letter to curio?

"i do not dare to write what i feel, and i do not wish to write what i don't feel"

-he feels repressed, hopeless and stuck

-his creative outlet has been destroyed

-lack of freedom of speech - letters can be easily interpreted

-vacillating and not knowing what to do - amused by ridiculousness of situation

how does cicero show amicitia in his letter to curio?

"it is not be inflame of your ambitions, but to demonstrate my love for you"

-emphatic final line, powerful, will be main takeaway for curio

how does cicero show hopelessness in curio letter?

"there is no theme left for a letter"

-exclamations and rhetorical questions, emotional and perplexed

"i do not know" - admits insecurity and unsureness in himself and wider society