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The Guilty: The Trial Of Cicero

Decent Essays

Among all of the famous writings originating from Rome, Cicero’s oratory is the most analyzed and admired by translators. Cicero, who held power to what is similar to a judge, was defending Caelius Rufus. Caelius, who was a past student of Cicero, was charged with political violence. The trial is mostly focusing on Caelius for taking gold for the attempted murder of Dio of Alexandria as well as poisoning a woman named Clodia. Cicero made an effective introduction about Caelius to show that he is not guilty of these charges. Hence, the trial begins on a high note for Caelius. Cicero attempted to focus the trial on Caelius’ youthfulness. When the charges for the attempted murder arose, Caelius’ bad judgement came in full force. Cicero …show more content…

Clodia, who was the lover of Caelius, was behind some of the accusations. Clodia and Claudius, Clodia’s brother, sought revenge when Caelius left them, so parts of the accusation are out of spite. When Atratinus charged Caelius with the political violence, Clodia wanted to help. Clodia was a wealthy and influential woman in Rome, though she was believed to be stepping over the line with the case. For example, Cicero in Pro Caelio stated, “if he would consider that the woman’s lust out to be checked.” Cicero showed that Clodia was behind these accusations and has tried to influence the case. Therefore, Cicero also tried to focus the trial on the accusers rather than his own client. The Pro Caelio speech by Marcus Tullius Cicero is one of the most famous Roman oratory, setting the standards for trials and speeches throughout the world. By changing the focus of Caelius’ crimes onto his youth like qualities as well as outside forces influencing the case, Cicero has indeed shaped the outcome of the case. Cicero knows how to appeal to the judges, thus he continues to speak to win the case. Therefore, Cicero’s introduction changed the direction of the case for the benefit of Caelius

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