Politeness and Politics in Cicero's Letters

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Ancient & Classical
Cover of the book Politeness and Politics in Cicero's Letters by Jon Hall, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jon Hall ISBN: 9780190450083
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: May 6, 2009
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Jon Hall
ISBN: 9780190450083
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: May 6, 2009
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Politeness and Politics in Cicero's Letters presents a fresh examination of the letters exchanged between Cicero and correspondents, such as Pompey, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony during the final turbulent decades of the Roman Republic. Drawing upon sociolinguistic theories of politeness, it argues that formal relationships between powerful members of the elite were constrained by distinct conventions of courtesy and etiquette. By examining in detail these linguistic conventions of politeness, Jon Hall presents new insights into the social manners that shaped aristocratic relationships. The book begins with a discussion of the role of letter-writing within the Roman aristocracy and the use of linguistic politeness to convey respect to fellow members of the elite. Hall then analyzes the deployment of conventionalized expressions of affection and goodwill to cultivate alliances with ambitious rivals and the diplomatic exploitation of "polite fictions" at times of political tension. The book also explores the strategies of politeness employed by Cicero and his correspondents when making requests and dispensing advice, and when engaging in epistolary disagreements. (His exchanges with Appius Claudius Pulcher, Munatius Plancus, and Mark Antony receive particular emphasis.) Its detailed analysis of specific letters places the reader at the very heart of Late Republican political negotiations and provides a new critical approach to Latin epistolography.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Politeness and Politics in Cicero's Letters presents a fresh examination of the letters exchanged between Cicero and correspondents, such as Pompey, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony during the final turbulent decades of the Roman Republic. Drawing upon sociolinguistic theories of politeness, it argues that formal relationships between powerful members of the elite were constrained by distinct conventions of courtesy and etiquette. By examining in detail these linguistic conventions of politeness, Jon Hall presents new insights into the social manners that shaped aristocratic relationships. The book begins with a discussion of the role of letter-writing within the Roman aristocracy and the use of linguistic politeness to convey respect to fellow members of the elite. Hall then analyzes the deployment of conventionalized expressions of affection and goodwill to cultivate alliances with ambitious rivals and the diplomatic exploitation of "polite fictions" at times of political tension. The book also explores the strategies of politeness employed by Cicero and his correspondents when making requests and dispensing advice, and when engaging in epistolary disagreements. (His exchanges with Appius Claudius Pulcher, Munatius Plancus, and Mark Antony receive particular emphasis.) Its detailed analysis of specific letters places the reader at the very heart of Late Republican political negotiations and provides a new critical approach to Latin epistolography.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book The World's Richest Indian by Jon Hall
Cover of the book China In World History by Jon Hall
Cover of the book Multiculturalism: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by Jon Hall
Cover of the book Adult Learning Disabilities and ADHD: Research-Informed Assessment by Jon Hall
Cover of the book Man's Emerging Mind by Jon Hall
Cover of the book The South Vs. The South by Jon Hall
Cover of the book Secularism, Catholicism, and the Future of Public Life by Jon Hall
Cover of the book How the Ray Gun Got Its Zap by Jon Hall
Cover of the book Global Governance of Financial Systems by Jon Hall
Cover of the book Second Language Research Methods - Oxford Applied Linguistics: by Jon Hall
Cover of the book Forensic Mental Health Assessment by Jon Hall
Cover of the book Candide and Other Stories by Jon Hall
Cover of the book Gender and Discourse by Jon Hall
Cover of the book Peace Formation and Political Order in Conflict Affected Societies by Jon Hall
Cover of the book Albion's Seed:Four British Folkways in America by Jon Hall
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy