De oratore

Definition

De oratore is a work by Cicero that focuses on the art of oratory and the role of the orator in society. This text emphasizes the importance of eloquence in public speaking, particularly in the context of Roman politics and culture during the Republican period. It connects deeply with the values of persuasion and rhetoric that were crucial for public life, while also influencing literary and artistic expressions in later periods, especially during the High Empire.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. De oratore was written in 55 BCE and is structured as a dialogue between prominent Roman figures discussing the nature and importance of oratory.
2. Cicero argues that a successful orator must possess not only skillful rhetoric but also knowledge and moral integrity to effectively persuade the audience.
3. The work has been influential in shaping the educational curriculum of rhetoric in Western civilization, serving as a foundational text for aspiring speakers and writers.
4. Cicero's emphasis on eloquence reflects the cultural values of the Republican period, where public speaking was essential for political participation and civic life.
5. De oratore also explores the relationship between oratory and poetry, highlighting how both forms of expression contribute to the overall cultural landscape of Rome.

Review Questions

• How does Cicero define the role of an orator in de oratore, and what qualities does he consider essential for effective public speaking?
  • In de oratore, Cicero defines the role of an orator as not just a skilled speaker but also a person with knowledge and ethical integrity. He emphasizes that effective public speaking requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, mastery of rhetorical techniques, and a strong moral character to gain trust from the audience. This comprehensive view positions the orator as a vital figure in influencing public opinion and shaping political discourse in Rome.
• Analyze how de oratore reflects the cultural values of the Republican period in Rome, particularly regarding political participation and civic engagement.
  • De oratore reflects the cultural values of the Republican period by underscoring the importance of eloquence in political life. In this era, effective communication was essential for engaging in public debate, persuading voters, and participating in governance. Cicero’s work reinforces the idea that skilled orators could sway opinions and impact decisions within the Senate and assemblies, thus highlighting how rhetoric served as a tool for civic engagement and democracy.
• Evaluate the influence of de oratore on subsequent generations' understanding of rhetoric and its evolution into art and literature during the High Empire.
  • De oratore had a lasting impact on how later generations understood rhetoric, significantly shaping its study throughout antiquity and into the Middle Ages. Cicero's insights into eloquence and persuasion laid groundwork for rhetorical education that influenced not just public speaking but also artistic expressions in literature. During the High Empire, elements from de oratore permeated various forms of artistic creation—like poetry and prose—demonstrating how effective communication principles continued to resonate within Roman culture, reinforcing rhetoric as an art form essential for both political life and literary achievement.

Related terms

Rhetoric: The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, often studied as a key component of education in ancient Rome.

Cicero:

A Roman statesman, orator, and author whose works on rhetoric and philosophy had a profound impact on Western thought and literature.

Elocutio: One of the five canons of rhetoric, focusing on style and delivery in speech, as emphasized in Cicero's works.