First Philippic against Marcus Antonius
In Cicero's, "First Philippic against Marcus Antonius," he is offering his view on the political situation after the death of Caesar. His purpose for coming before the Senate is to drive them to the realization that Marcus Antonius and his actions are slowly breaking down the unity of the country. He praises Marcus Antonius for his fine speech, intentions, and promises, then points out the fallacies and unconstitutionality of Marcus Antonius' actions. He reminds the Senators that "Nothing was done any longer through the Senate..." because measures were being passed without declaration or consent. The Senate and Caesar's advisors are Cicero's audience even though the end of the speech is directed towards Marcus Antonius and Dolabella who are not present. Cicero describes his motives of leaving and coming back, Rome's problems, the need for Caesar's laws, and the contingency of some of Marcus Antonius' laws, making the reader think that he is trying to sway the Senate into rebelling against Marcus Antonius yet at the same time he praises and congratulates the good deeds done by him. Even at the end, he addresses Marcus Antonius who is not even present, acclaiming and chastising. Why does he do this? Cicero makes a valiant, d
Cicero admits that Caesar's way of running the government was not perfect but that it kept the peace and Caesar did have the interests of the people at heart. Whereas, Antonius is not fit to run the government because he is unaware of what are "institutions fundamental to the security of the state." He passes laws without the consent of the Senate, without the approval of the people, and without the thoughts of consequences in mind. The Senate may have been so displeased with Caesar that they never took a second glance at the mistakes being made by Marcus Antonius. Cicero warns the Senate of the tragic outcome that will follow if Marcus Antonius proceeds with his ways. At this point, the Senate can see the weakness of Marcus Antonius and how he is wronging the citizens as well as the Senate. Disapproval is crossing the minds of the Senate. Cicero continues to confirm his credibility because his speech cannot be effective without the Senate being convinced that he has only good intentions at heart. He states the circumstances that prompted his departure. He explains that "Nothing was any longer done through the Senate, many significant measure were passed through the Assembly of the people...without even consulting the Assembly, and against its wishes. The consuls elect declared they did not dare come into the Senate at all. The liberators...were excluded from the very city which they had rescued from servitude..." Cicero felt that "it was less disagreeable to learn of these things that to see them..." so he left. He could not stand to see this happen so he takes up the opportunity to travel, an honorary mission (legatio libera.) He earns credibility here because he uses Pathos to get them to understand his positions and emotions. They are able to sympathize with Cicero.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2692
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)
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