Cicero’s Arguments
In Cicero text “First Oration Against Catiline”, he is addressing the Roman Senate about the plot to overthrow the government. Cicero argues that Catiline has made several attempts on not only his life, but on the lives of other Senators during this plot. Even with this personal investment in the plot, Cicero is arguing that the Senate doesn’t have the power to execute a Roman citizen as Lucius Opimius decreed in an earlier plot against the state. (Cicero 229) Cicero goes on to debate the execution or exiling of Catiline by Senate with a persuasive argument to exile the conspirators like a disease, by placing wall between the conspirators and the citizens. (Cicero 242) Cicero argument is filled with frustration against both the Senate and the Catiline’s plot, but Cicero is in favor of exiling Catiline due to his support of the law.
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Cicero is frustrated with the delay in a decision as seen in his example of Saturninus. Where Saturninus punishment was decided within a day, but Catiline’s decision has taken over twenty day. (Cicero 229) Cicero continues with his persuasion with the claim that executing Catiline will slow the conspiracy not stop it as most believe. (Cicero 241) Cicero goes on to reinforce his belief in exiling Catiline, by presenting that Catiline will lead the conspirator from the city if he is exiled. Cicero believes this will make the city safer by allowing the conspirators to regroup outside the city wall and Senate will be able to focus on one target instead of multiple hidden conspirators among the Senate. (Cicero 242) Cicero is concerned that the private citizen of Italy may see the execution of Catiline as oppressive and they may assist Catiline’s conspirators in further plots against the state. Cicero wants to show the citizens that the Senate has matured in its decision making