Esse videtur: Occurrences of Heroic Clausulae in Cicero's Orations

Abstract

This thesis expands upon modern studies of Cicero's prose rhythm to provide an interpretation of his purpose in using the heroic clausula (the concluding rhythm of a sentence consisting of a dactyl followed by a spondee). Cicero's evaluation of heroic clausulae in his rhetorical treatises and his practice of using heroic clausulae in orations appear to be at odds with each other, making his use of this clausula a contentious point for scholars. After reviewing the basic principles of prose rhythm, I examine those that Cicero puts forth in his rhetorical treatises. I then examine previous arguments by modern scholars concerning Cicero's use of the heroic clausula. Through analyses of instances of this clausula in his orations, I conclude that Cicero frequently takes advantage of the negative perception of this rhythm in prose speech to augment his tone of invective.