13.4: Atticus

• What kind of questions does Cicero posit in his letter to Atticus in which he asks philosophical questions (3 examples)?


  Should you overthrow tyrannical rule violently or with words? Should you join with a group you don't fully agree with to fight against tyranny? Do you need to be afraid of the liberator becoming the tyrant?
• When is the letter to Atticus between the civil war and Caesar's death?

  45 BCE
• What is the tone of Cicero's letter to Atticus in 45 BCE while Caesar is dictator?

  Positive but hiding his fear
• What is the letter during Caesar's dictatorship?

  45 BCE Letter to Atticus
• What do we learn of Cicero's relationship with Caesar in his letter to Atticus in 45 BCE while Caesar is dictator?

  He is publicly reconciled by privately he cannot decide whether to support Caesar
• What subtle suggestions do we get of Cicero's opposition to Caesar in his letter to Atticus in 45 BCE while Caesar is dictator?

  He describes his invasion as criminal. He mentions the Parthenon which is a symbol of anti-tyranny
• Which letter has Cicero describe Caesar's invasion as criminal?

  45 BCE Letter to Atticus
• What evidence is there that Cicero is in quietism during his letter to Atticus in 45 BCE while Caesar is dictator?

  He is immersed in his books
• Which letter does Cicero say he is immersed in his books?

  45 BCE Letter to Atticus
• How is Cicero depicted as restless in his quietism in his letter to Atticus in 45 BCE while Caesar is dictator?


  He is asking Atticus whether it is safe to come to Rome
• Which letter has Cicero ask whether it is safe to come home?

  45 BCE Letter to Atticus
• What does the letter to Atticus in 45 BCE tell us about Cicero's relationship with Brutus?

  He is critical of Brutus supporting Caesar, and mentions how his ancestors represented liberty
• Which letters do we learn of Cicero's relationship with Brutus specifically?

  50 BCE Letter to Caelius

  45 BCE Letter to Atticus
• Where was Cicero during the 45 BCE Letter to Atticus and why?

  Tusculum as he was mourning his daughter
• How does the 45 BCE Letter to Atticus reflect their relationship?


  It mentions "our nephew" Quintus as there are connected through marriage of their siblings
• Which letters mentions "our nephew" to reflect the friendship between Cicero and Atticus?

  45 BCE Letter to Atticus
• Direct quote from 45 BCE Letter to Atticus that reflects Cicero's indecision


  "I am chopping and changing this way and that"
• Which letter says "I am chopping and changing this way and that"?

  45 BCE Letter to Atticus