AP Latin

Advanced Placement Latin studying classical Latin literature and Roman culture.

Introduction to Classical LatinRoman History and CultureReading and Translating Latin Texts
Virgil's Aeneid: Epic Poetry and Roman ValuesCicero and Rhetoric in Latin ProsePoetic Devices and Scansion
Latin in Modern VocabularyLatin and Critical ThinkingLatin and Cultural Literacy
Approaching Unseen PassagesTime Management for the AP ExamAnnotation and Note-Taking Techniques
Introduction to Clas...Roman History and Cu...Reading and Translat...Virgil's Aeneid: Epi...Cicero and Rhetoric ...Poetic Devices and S...Latin in Modern Voca...Latin and Critical T...Latin and Cultural L...Approaching Unseen P...Time Management for ...Annotation and Note-...
Advanced Topics

Cicero and Rhetoric in Latin Prose

The Art of Persuasion

Cicero was Rome's master orator and his speeches set the standard for persuasive communication. He used logic, emotion, and style to sway audiences in law courts and politics.

Rhetorical Techniques

  • Ethos: Establishing credibility and trust.
  • Pathos: Appealing to emotions.
  • Logos: Using logical arguments and evidence.

Structure of a Speech

  1. Exordium: Introduction to grab attention.
  2. Narratio: Statement of facts.
  3. Confirmatio: Arguments supporting your case.
  4. Refutatio: Rebuttal of opposing arguments.
  5. Peroratio: Conclusion and emotional appeal.

Modern Connections

  • These techniques are used in debates, advertising, and law today.
  • Studying Cicero helps you become a better writer and speaker.

Practice

  • Try analyzing a modern political speech using Cicero's structure!

Examples

  • Identifying ethos, pathos, and logos in a speech.

  • Writing a persuasive essay using Cicero's structure.

In a Nutshell

Cicero's rhetoric shapes how we persuade and argue even in the modern world.

Key Terms

Rhetoric
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
Exordium
The introduction of a speech designed to capture attention.
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Poetic Devices and Scansion