Analysis of Cicero's Speech in the Trial of Verres Essay Example

During his In Verrem speech Cicero described Gaius Verres as being a ‘reckless, insane individual’ who has committed many ‘thefts and crimes.’ Verres, who had been a Roman magistrate and governor was being put on trial for numerous charges, including taking art for his own collections, executing Roman citizens in place of pirates, using methods of execution deemed only suitable for slaves by Roman law and seizing money from the citizens. Cicero used various techniques to argue against Verres’, notably speaking directly to the audience during some sections of the speech. Cicero placed his focus on convincing the jury of the fact that Verres’ actions were un-Roman, something that would have been successful due to the importance of Roman values. How Cicero went on to use these techniques and arguments to ensure that his attack on Verres was highly effective will be discussed in this essay.

One of the ways that Cicero was able to create an effective attack was by his use of slander. Cicero continuously berates Verres’ character throughout the speech. By doing this Cicero is able to undermine any power that Verres once had. He first uses this technique during the opening to his speech saying that Verres had ‘Openly plundered everything in Sicily that is sacred.’ (Cicero, 2006, 1) The phrase openly plundered suggests that Verres did not merely steal from the people, but used force to do so. Cicero saying that he did so openly is important as it shows Verres arrogance when it came to being caught. T.D. Frazel speaks of Cicero’s use of slander saying that, ‘Cicero portrays Verres in ways that are strikingly similar to those that would be used against a thief.’ (Frazel, 2005) Frazel uses this comparison to show that Cicero wanted Verres, despite his previous role as Governor, to be seen as a criminal like any other, implementing the idea he should be punished as such. During ancient Rome thieves could face punishment as high as death, making it clear how little Cicero thought of Verres. Cicero’s slander of Verres does not only cover his crimes, but his behaviour as Governor. Section 28 is notable for this, one of the lines being that, ‘All his entertainment ended up with someone being carried as if from a battlefield.’ (Cicero, 2006, 28) This includes one of the many instances that Cicero brings up Verres’ partying. By including a military reference to a battlefield he is able to paint a picture of just how over the top Verres’ parties were. The idea of someone being carried in this manner creates a thought of violence, insinuating that fights often break out. A similar instance of Cicero speaking of Verres’ character comes when his Sicilian fleet is described as being full of ‘Very good looking young men.’ (Cicero, 2006, 63) Cicero’s focus on Verres’ vanity during these sections are used to show that Verres put his own wants above all else. He would rather have a good looking crew instead of a hardworking, honest one. He would rather spend his time partying than doing his job. Cicero knew that by bringing up these instances of Verres’ selfishness the people of Rome would most likely become offended by Verres’ uncivilised behaviour. This would further ensure Cicero’s case a victory. Cicero goes on to say that his ships were, ‘More suited to bringing loot to the governor than terror to the pirates.’ (Cicero, 2006, 63) Which can be seen as a reminder that even during these more humorous sections of the speech, Cicero’s main focus is still that Verres’ crimes ultimately hurt the Roman people and that he deserves to be punished.

Cicero uses comparison as another way to accomplish his argument against Verres. Similarly to slander, these are made to diminish Verres’ character. These comparisons are most often used by Cicero to point out Verres’ failure as a leader for the people. One of the most notable examples of this comes during section 66, when Cicero compares Verres to Publius Servilius. Firstly by bringing up how he dealt with pirates, ‘Servilius alone captured more pirates alive than all Governors before him put together,’ (Cicero, 2006, 66) Before going on to ask Verres, ‘Why did you not do this? Why was that pirate kept out of sight?’ (Cicero, 2006, 66) Cicero uses a rhetorical question here, knowingly putting Verres on the spot. By comparing Verres’ actions to how someone in a similar position had behaved, Cicero is able to remind the people that Verres did not behave as other Roman leaders did and instead put his own greed before everything else. The example he uses here is that he protected the pirate captain, keeping him alive rather than beheading him as was the Roman custom. This example would have also been used to remind the people that Verres did not follow Roman laws, showing him as someone who thought he was above everyone else and that the customs did not apply to him. Similarly during section 31 Cicero sarcastically mocks Verres’ claim that he helped to save Sicily during the war against the slaves. ‘You do not imagine that you have a share in the glory with Marcus Crassus or Gnaues Pompeius?’ (Cicero, 2006, 31) He then goes on to add that Crassus had ‘Courage and foresight,’ and was ‘Valiant,’ (Cicero, 2006, 31) Making it clear that Crassus, along with Pompeius, were men who put in effort to help during the war and that Verres’ did little to nothing and was just taking credit for others hard work. A final instance of Cicero’s use of comparison comes when he states that Verres, ‘Proved himself so tough and energetic that no one ever saw him riding on a horse.’ (Cicero, 2006, 27) Cicero uses various examples of Verres’ behaviour during this section, including how he was carried by a litter and how he carried out his work in his bedroom. Despite there being no single person that Cicero compares Verres to here, his message is still made clear; Gaius Verres’ lazy demeanour was not the norm for Governors. By use of comparison, Cicero was able to add another layer to his argument. Rather than simply stating that what Verres did was wrong, he used examples of how people in similar positions acted. Pointing out the differences in the two made it clear to the audience that Verres’ was vain and lazy, rather than an efficient leader.

Perhaps the most important way that Cicero’s attack was a success was by his use of involving the jury. Tempest explains how Cicero used the jury to his favour in Staging A Prosecution. ‘We are reminded of the great role Cicero attributes to his audience, the crowd is to an orator what an instrument is to a musician.’ (Tempest 2013) Tempest’s use of the word great insinuates importance; the audience are in fact the most important role in Cicero’s attack being successful. Tempest’s statement can be considered as accurate as without audience involvement, the speech would not have worked as well. This can be seen during his use of the other techniques discussed. When comparing Verres to someone Cicero made sure that he used a well known Roman figure that his audience would recognize. When slandering him he placed the focus on his un-Roman behaviour as he knew it would upset and anger the jury, ensuring that they would vote against him. Cicero ultimately relies on his audience to ensure a win. Cicero opens his speech by involving the audience,‘Members of the jury, I see that none of you is in any doubt that Verres has openly plundered everything.’ (Cicero, 2006, 1) Here we see Cicero already beginning to establish a connection between himself and the audience. By Cicero stating that he knows that the jury is not in any doubt about Verres, he makes it clear that there is only one choice and that if anyone was to side with Verres they, like him, would be seen as un-Roman.. Another clever way that Cicero uses his interactions with his audience is making them focus solely on Verres’ crimes and his wrongs. Doing this takes away the humanity of Verres along with any possible feelings of forgiveness the jury may feel for him. An example of this comes during section 23 as he states, ‘But how he incriminated himself in the first hearing.’ (Cicero, 2006, 73) Cicero includes no sense of uncertainty that Verres may be innocent, making it easier for the jury to see the us vs them narrative he wants to enforce. Cicero ultimately knows that by succeeding to get the jury on his side is a sure victory.

To conclude, Cicero’s speech was helped by his use of various techniques that enforced the idea that Verres was not fit to be a Governor of Rome. By use of slander and comparison he was able to show the extent of Verres’ crimes and bad character, speaking of his laziness, partying, thievery among others. However, it was his use of involving the audience that made In Verrem so effective. Cicero was able to speak directly to the emotions of the jury, bringing up Verres many crimes and how they affected the people of Rome. Cicero used each of these techniques to successfully show that Verres’ behaviour was not that of how a good Roman Governor. Due to these, Cicero’s attack on Verres’ was highly successful.