The Life of Cicero, Volume II.
1880
Anthony Trollope, better known for his novels of Victorian society, turned his gaze to ancient Rome with this meticulously researched life of Marcus Tullius Cicero. This second volume picks up the story after Cicero's humiliating exile, when the great orator returned to find his reputation in tatters and his political enemies triumphant. Trollope renders the backstabbing corridors of Roman power with novelist's eye for character, tracing Cicero's bitter feuds with Piso and Gabinius, his precarious positioning between the rising powers of Pompey and Caesar, and his desperate attempts to restore his standing in a Republic tearing itself apart. Throughout it all, Cicero's devotion to his daughter Tullia provides an emotional counterweight to the man's considerable pride and political maneuvering. The result is a portrait of a brilliant but flawed man navigating the end of an era, watching the Republic he loved transform into something he cannot recognize. For readers who enjoy political biography, classical history, or the particular pleasure of watching a master stylist apply his craft to the ancient world.
About The Life of Cicero, Volume II.
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Cicero returns triumphantly from exile in 57 BC and delivers a series of speeches praising those who helped him and attacking his enemies Piso and Gabinius. His return marks both a personal victory and the beginning of a more bitter phase of his career.
- 2
- Cicero continues his advocacy work while beginning his great literary career with dialogues like De Oratore. He defends various clients including Caelius and struggles with the political machinations of the First Triumvirate.
- 3
- The violent confrontation between Milo and Clodius leads to Clodius's death and Milo's trial. Cicero's famous defense speech Pro Milone, though unsuccessful in court, becomes one of his greatest literary achievements.
Key Themes
- Republic vs. Tyranny
- The central theme of Cicero's political career - his unwavering commitment to republican government and opposition to one-man rule, whether by Caesar, Antony, or others who would destroy traditional Roman institutions.
- The Power of Eloquence
- Cicero's belief that words and oratory could triumph over military force, embodied in his motto 'cedant arma togae' (let arms yield to the toga). His speeches were his weapons in the political arena.
- Moral Corruption vs. Virtue
- The contrast between Cicero's attempts to maintain traditional Roman virtues of honesty and service against the widespread corruption, greed, and violence of his contemporaries.
Characters
- Marcus Tullius Cicero(protagonist)
- The great Roman orator, statesman, and philosopher. A 'novus homo' who rose to become Consul and defender of the Republic against tyranny.
- Titus Pomponius Atticus(major)
- Cicero's dearest friend and correspondent. A wealthy, prudent man who avoided political entanglements while maintaining friendships across party lines.
- Gaius Julius Caesar(antagonist)
- The brilliant general and dictator who conquered Gaul and ultimately the Roman Republic. Cicero's greatest political opponent, though personally courteous.
- Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony)(antagonist)
- Caesar's lieutenant who became Cicero's most bitter enemy. Portrayed as corrupt, violent, and a threat to the Republic.
- Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey)(major)
- The great general whom Cicero long supported as defender of the Republic, though he proved disappointing and was ultimately defeated by Caesar.
- Tullia(major)
- Cicero's beloved daughter, married three times. Her death devastated Cicero and marked a turning point in his life.
