Rhetorical technique in Cicero De Natura Deorum I

Abstract

The primary object of the thesis is an attempt to ascertain whether a close relationship exists between the technique of Cicero's forensic oratory, and the style of De Natura Deorurn I, a philosophical dialogue. The method employed is a rhetorical analysis of the dialogue on a comparative basis. After assigning grounds and authorities for subjecting the philosophical works to such an analysis, Chapter I gives a summary of Cicero's rhetorical technique: this is taken to comprise the most important parts' of rhetoric - prose rhythm, the arrangement of subject matter, and the use of rhetorical figures and devices. These form the subject matter of the subsequent chapters. Chapter II shows the importance of rhythm in rhetorical technique, and the occurrence of clausulae in Cicero's oratorical, epistolary and philosophical works. A detailed analysis of the clausulae of De Natura Deorum I is based on a simplified form of the method devised for the speeches by T. Zielinski (Das Clauselgesetz in Ciceros Reden). Some remarks are added concerning the final words of clausulae and syllable occurrence, after H.Bornecque (Les Clausules Metrique Latines). Periodic structure is included in a short appendix. Chapter III attempts to show in detail that the arrangement of matter common to the speeches is found in a modified form in this dialogue. The form of analysis follows that of T.B.L. Webster (ed. Pro Flacco), which in turn is based on the Rhetorics ad Herennium.Ad Herennlum Book IV is the authority for the account in Chapter IV of Cicero's use of rhetorical figures: those devices common to Cicero's own rhetorical methods but not included under "figures" are analysed in an appendix. The conclusion can then be reached, that De Natura Deorum I has a rhetorical technique very similar to that of a speech, but modified to meet its particular needs.