Roman Rhetoric Review

(Originally written January 19, 2007 in Book 12)

I. Cicero's definition of rhetoric - all rhetoric is argument, any discussion of matters pertaining to citizenship (duty, moral character is implied)

II. Quintilian's definition of rhetoric: a good man speaking well, art (theory) guided by principles, artist guided by moral character and speech.

III. Cicero's Four Stages:
1) Fact
2) Definition
3) Qualitative
4) Translative

IV. Facilities the speaker needs according to the author of Rhetorica ad Herennium? The canon of rhetoric: invention, arrangement, style, delivery and memory.

V. What are the three things necessary for the education of a orator according to the author of Rhetorica ad Herennium?
1) Theory
2) Imitation
3) Proactive

VI. What are Cicero's requirements for an orator? Must be a citizen, must possess good tone and delivery; possess great dignity, pleasantry, and wit; must be fertile in argument and analogies; must know stasis theory; must instruct listeners, give him pleasure and stir his emotions.

VII. What are Quintilian's requirements of an orator? Must be a good man, must be trained, must possess exceptional gift of speech, must possess a sort of phronesis to make wise decisions on a daily basis; must possess the virtues of courage, justice and self-control; must possess strong memory.

VIII. Cicero's four ways of arguing assumptive issues:
1) Confession and avoidance
2) Shifting the charge
3) Retort of accusation
4) Comparison

IX. Cicero's three styles of oration:
1) Dignified
2) Middle
3) Plain

X. Quintilian's primary stasis point - definition

XI. Significant contributions

A. Cicero
- Stasis theory (outlined it thoroughly)
- Rhetoric as argument
- Critiqued other rhetorician's style
- 3 levels of style

B. Quintilian
- Modifies pupil/teacher relationship
- Exhaustive philosophy of rhetorical education
- treatment of reading and writing
- treatment of memory