1
Love, Envy, and Pantomimic Morality in Ciceros
De Oratore

• By Michelle Zerba
• Classical Philology 97, 2002. p 299-321
• University of Chicago

2
Group Members

• Christina Spano
• Giuseppe Cammisuli
• ?2nd year Criminology Major
• ? Father Michael McGivney
• Catholic Academy
• Tania Mohammed
• ?2nd year English Major
• ?St Thomas Aquinas

3
De Oratore

• Main Characters Antonius and Crassus
• Love and Envy are the main emotions in upper
  class Roman mens public lives
• Love ? Envy of anothers position, reputation,
  status, etc.
• Example Antonius praises Crassus skills to link
  his envy with love
• ? makes Antonius look humble and pleasant

4
Pantomimic Morality

• Portraying yourself as a good and moral speaker
• Using body language and motions
• Distinction between orator and persona

5
Modesty

• Do not expect gratitude or recognition from
  audience
• Greatness masked with Humility or Self
  Sacrificing Labor if not achieved than audience
  may take offence
• Modesty gives off the appearance of goodness and
  morality example Crassus admits weakness
• Sensed manipulation can turn the entire audience
  against you

6
Conclusion

• Great oratory skills can improve daily affairs
  and situations
• Must realize the difference between self and
  persona
• Understanding the connection between the two can
  close the gap with audience
• Must believe in persona for the audience to
  believe you