Obama and Cicero

It is impossible for students of Latin and/or Greek to view modern literature, art, architecture, government and myriad other conventions without applying a Classical lens. The Latin III class of the Cardin School is currently learning the rhetorical and poetic devices employed by ancient authors such as Cicero to enhance the meaning and reception of piece of literature or speech. Oratory was particularly prized by the Romans and was a skill in which most nobles were trained for futures in law and politics. For a Roman orator the style with a speech was given was just as important, if not more so, than the information contained in it. In addition, the chosen site for the oration, often the Roman forum, helped inform the overall message with visual references made to the locations of relevant historical events or the statuary of significant leaders and heroes.

With a president known for his eloquence and rhetorical skill, President Obama’s delivery of tonight’s “State of the Union” address becomes an learning opportunity for more than its informative aspect. It is also as a study of Obama’s place in the tradition of oratory and of the techniques that have remained for more then two millennia. So as President Obama takes his place on the podium before both houses of congress in the National Capitol, as cameras pan from senator to representative to galleries of noted personalities, and as we consider the present state of our country and the plans ahead, here are a few traditional rhetorical devices for which you can listen. You are most certain to hear a few:

• Anaphora – the repetition of initial words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses
• Polysyndeton – the over use of conjunctions, usually “and” or “or”
• Alliteration – the repetition of the initial sound of successive words
• Asyndeton – the absence of conjunctions where needed
• Metaphor – and implied comparison
• Rhetorical question – a question for which no answer is expected or which is answered by the one posing the question
• Synecdoche – describing part for the whole (my standard example is the use of “wheels” to mean “car” but “main street” to mean “the middle class” seems to fit as well)
Now, enjoy the show!

Maureen Beabout
Latin Instructor