Marcus Tullius Cicero, a consul for the Roman senate, addressed the citizens of Rome promptly following Lucius Catiline’s exile in what is now known as the Second Catilinarian Oration. In this public oration, Cicero attempts to persuade the Roman citizens and the Senators that he is a more favorable leader than Catiline, while threatening those Catiline supporters who cannot be persuaded with words or violence. Through Cicero’s skilled use of rhetoric, Cicero is not only slighting Catiline, but he is illustrating the role and power of persuasion as he understands it. As Cicero addresses different groups of Roman citizens, his understanding of the nature of persuasion becomes much more apparent. Persuasion is a vital dimension of rhetoric.
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Cicero’s persuasive knowledge works for the goal of establishing political power because he tries to convince the Catiline loyalists left that he is only doing what is right for the Republic by exiling Catiline. Cicero states …show more content…
The present state of Rome is a situation that demands severity, where there is no longer a place for argumentation or dissent. Cicero calls upon himself to take action against what Catiline has done and aims to restore the Republic to its former glory. Here is where persuasion and violence have a close relationship in Cicero’s mentality. Persuasion is Cicero’s go-to when problems can be resolved without violence, but once those attempts fail, violence is the only other option. Not only does Cicero speak of violence in relation to persuasion, but he also mentions that persuasion can be connected with healing. He believes that he can heal the persuadable with his words, but those who are too far-gone must die. In addition to strengthening his hold on power, Cicero gives the un-persuadables the opportunity to leave the city walls without any punishment. This choice shows that Cicero seems to have people’s best interests at heart, but they also must leave if not willing to comply because he cannot have anyone speak out against him for fear of starting a rebellion. Speaking against him after given this opportunity to leave peacefully will only result in a grim future for those who dare to do so. As well as addressing the un-persuadable followers, Cicero gives the Romans who do have the
Cicero’s persuasive knowledge works for the goal of establishing political power because he tries to convince the Catiline loyalists left that he is only doing what is right for the Republic by exiling Catiline. Cicero states …show more content…
The present state of Rome is a situation that demands severity, where there is no longer a place for argumentation or dissent. Cicero calls upon himself to take action against what Catiline has done and aims to restore the Republic to its former glory. Here is where persuasion and violence have a close relationship in Cicero’s mentality. Persuasion is Cicero’s go-to when problems can be resolved without violence, but once those attempts fail, violence is the only other option. Not only does Cicero speak of violence in relation to persuasion, but he also mentions that persuasion can be connected with healing. He believes that he can heal the persuadable with his words, but those who are too far-gone must die. In addition to strengthening his hold on power, Cicero gives the un-persuadables the opportunity to leave the city walls without any punishment. This choice shows that Cicero seems to have people’s best interests at heart, but they also must leave if not willing to comply because he cannot have anyone speak out against him for fear of starting a rebellion. Speaking against him after given this opportunity to leave peacefully will only result in a grim future for those who dare to do so. As well as addressing the un-persuadable followers, Cicero gives the Romans who do have the