Martin, Gunther UlfGunther UlfMartin0000-0003-4368-42492024-10-112024-10-112011https://boris-portal.unibe.ch/handle/20.500.12422/83462This paper proposes a reading of Cicero’s Fourth Catilinarian as a consistent and historically realistic attempt at urging the senate to punish the conspirators. Cicero struggles against the senators’ inclination to postpone a decision out of fear of the consequences which a severe sentence might have. The speech does not show signs of substantial revision or even contamination of several addresses Cicero made at different stages of the meeting on 5 December 63; nor may the extended passages in which Cicero talks about himself be read as subsequent additions in the light of Clodius’ assaults. They rather fit into the exhortative strategy of the speech, forming part of the refutation of any grounds which would allow for a delay of the decision. The extended space they take up is to be explained as a strategy that prevents further discussion of dangers by an argumentum a maiore.de800 - Literature, rhetoric & criticism400 - Language100 - Philosophy::180 - Ancient, medieval & eastern philosophyarticle10.7892/boris.1338400029756310000610.1524/phil.2011.0019