OCR GCSE Latin Literature Set-texts 2015 Thread!

Hi!
I'm studying the same set texts as you! How did you find the mocks?? I feel pretty confident with Cicero now but we still haven't finished Virgil and I'm struggling with the langauge analysis- any tips? I did find some general literary features on the OCR website though which I used for Cicero, it's just more difficult to apply them to poetry!

I'll paste them here in case they help you at all:


repetition words may be repeated at the
beginning or end of sentences or phrases that
either seek to amplify a point or to present an
antithesis, or opposite point of view.


anaphora this is one specific type of repetition
where a word or phrase is repeated at the
beginning of successive clauses, it is quite often
used in conjunction with the tricolon crescens

asyndeton the omission of conjunctions from a
list is used to express anything forcefully, and the
items on the list are meant to be appear numerous
as a result; the list seems exhaustive


polysyndeton the use of numerous conjunctions in
a list produces a similar effect to asyndeton and is
designed to highlight the extent of the items being
covered.


pleonasm the use of copious words beyond
what is actually necessary to convey meaning.


antithesis the opposition of ideas designed to
highlight the conflict between two words or states
of affairs.

exclamation calling out to someone.


tricolon delivering ideas in threes; when
there is a sense that the second point is more
forceful, important or emphasised than the first,
and the third point more than the second, this is
known as a ‘tricolon crescens’ or ‘tricolon crescendo’.


polyptoton the use of a word several times
in quick succession with different inflections,
designed to draw attention to that item


tautology saying the same thing more than
once in order to leave the listener in no doubt as to
the point you are trying to make.


the rhetorical question used to drive home
a point very emphatically; questions require
answers, so put the questioned person ‘on the
spot’; in a rhetorical question, the answer would
be impossible, awkward or embarrassing for the
person being questioned.

Virgil definitely has a much different style from Cicero and Livy. Look out especially for polyptoton - overuse of connectives for effect eg. "Hadumque Fadumque abit [then other names with -que]


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Polyptoton is the repetition of the same word with variation, usually in different cases, for example "illum absens absentem auditque videtque" (Virgil, Aeneid IV). I think the word you are looking for is polysyndeton (multiple conjunctions), for example "illum absentem auditque videoque". But I agree, it emphasises the number of people killed

Bump... Anyone else studying these?


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Yes, I have my mock for Cicero (not study Livy yet) and I'm on the verge of crying! Nothing is sticking in my head...gosh, why is latin so hard?

I know I feel the same! I found the Cicero set text the most interesting but unfortunately I had literally no notes for it! What sort of language does Cicero use frequently and what effect does this have? We can get through this!!


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Circero uses a lot of allieration to stress the fact that he is angry and contempt with both Verres and Cleomenes. His use of sibilance like, "classis in speciem" (A fine fleet in appearance). The 's' creates a very cynical and evil image- again emphasising the evilness of Verres? You?

I don't know too much about Cicero but the frequent use of "iste" puts the blame onto these men, and it is a more hostile word, emphasising his anger - it is almost like he is pointing their finger at them.

I'd probably be more use regarding Virgil to be honest but I'll try and exchange as many ideas as possible about Cicero


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Thank you! Talk later then about Cicero and Livy- though right now I am trying to memorise the last few lines of it!

No problems - look forward to it!


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Do you know Cicero off by heart?