Curriculum
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Ambleside Online Plutarch's Life of Publicolastudy by Anne White "A teacher writes (of children of eleven), -- 'They cannot have enough of Publicola and there are always groans when the lesson comes to an end.'" -- Charlotte Mason, A Philosophy of Education Charlotte Mason recommended Plutarch's Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans as both a course in ancient history and a lesson book on citizenship. If you've never studied one of these Lives before, Poplicola is a wonderful place to start! His demonstration of loyalty and love for his country is a great example of the lessons in citizenship that, as Miss Mason explained, Plutarch handled so well: "The boy, or girl, aged from ten to twelve, who is intimate with a dozen or so of Plutarch's Lives, so intimate that they influence his thought and conduct, has learned to put his country first and to see individuals only as they serve or dis-serve the State. Thus he gets his first lesson in the science of proportion. Children familiar with the great idea of a State in the sense, not of a government but of the people, learn readily enough about the laws, customs and government of their country; learn, too, with great interest something about themselves, mind and body, heart and soul, because they feel it is well to know what they have it in them to give to their country." -- Charlotte Mason, ibid. Poplicola shows the positive side of leadership, unlike some of Plutarch's characters--he really does seem to be purely, through and through, one of the good guys. There are very few places in this story where a parent would have to make any of Miss Mason's "wise and necessary omissions." You might choose to have your student read it independently, if he or she can handle the vocabulary; then again, there is much opportunity for discussion here, so it would probably be better to read it together. How to use this
study guide -- I have suggested some key vocabulary and background concepts for each
reading, and discussion questions to follow (although you could ask one
or two of the questions before you read, so the student knows what to
listen for). Using Charlotte Mason's methods, narration would
follow
the reading, and then discussion. Based on Miss Mason's
suggestions
for handling Bible stories (giving background and even reading a simple
version from a childrens' Bible or commentary, before reading directly
from the Bible), it would probably be good to give a short preview of
the reading. Make sure, in other words, that the student is
prepared
to follow the reading, and doesn't get lost in the long sentences and
sometimes confusing pronouns. Note on Poplicola's name: As Plutarch explains, Poplicola's real name was Publius Valerius. He was later given the nickname Poplicola, also spelled Publicola (in North's translation), which means "friend of the people" or "most democratic." Poplicola or Publicola should be pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, as in "ridiculous." An online search for the name "Publius Valerius" or even "Valerius Publius" will bring up more information than the nickname "Poplicola." Introduction to Poplicola's times: If you have a copy of Hillyer's Child's History of the World, it would be good to read chapter 22, Rome Kicks Out Her Kings. This chapter gives some essential background information and also includes a couple of the events Plutarch relates If you don't have this book, you will want to look up the events of 509 B.C. in another history book; that is, the ousting of Tarquin (also called Tarquinius Superbus), Rome's last king, and the beginnings of the Roman republic (what did a republic mean at that time?). You should also know something about the Senate, the Forum, "lictors" and "fasces" (also referred to in Plutarch as "rods and axes"). The other thing to understand is that the two consuls, or rulers, had to be re-elected each year; that's why Plutarch talks about Poplicola being chosen as consul several times. Translation used -- Dryden's, edited by Arthur Hugh Clough, can be downloaded
here: Map of the early
Roman Republic: Another helpful site with map: http://www.livius.org/va-vh/valerius/publicola.html Lesson 1 Before you read -- Think about well-known names in history. What it would mean to you to be named for a famous ancestor? Do you think it is more important to be respected because of your family or because of your own actions? (Look up Proverbs 22:1.) Publius Valerius, or Poplicola, was named for an ancestor who was known for his wisdom and peace-making ability. He himself began earning the peoples' respect even before the main events of this story took place, and it seemed sure that if Rome became a republic, he would be one of its leaders. But political decisions aren't always fair, and Poplicola/Valerius had to handle a major disappointment. You need to know here that the last king of the Romans, Tarquin, was just about to be ousted, for reasons that Plutarch makes clear. However, he didn't give up without a fight, and his attempts to get the throne back make up one of the main threads of this story. Another major character is Lucius Brutus, usually called Brutus. He and Valerius (Poplicola) headed the revolt against Tarquin, and he was one of the first consuls chosen to lead the new republic. Vocabulary: Sabines -- an ancient people of central Italy who had been at war with
Rome) Section to read -- From the beginning to "his actions soon after showing the sincerity of his oath." Discussion questions: Why was Tarquinius Collatinus chosen as consul along with Brutus, rather than Valerius/Poplicola? How did Valerius/Poplicola react to this? Restate this sentence in your own words: "Now Valerius was troubled, that his desire to serve his country should be doubted, because he had sustained no private injury from the insolence of the tyrants." What might he have done then (as the people feared) if he had been of a spiteful nature? Do you think it is significant that Plutarch says he was the first man to take the oath of loyalty? What does it say about his character? Lesson 2 Before you read -- If you were the head of the new Roman government, how would you feel about receiving a "friendly" visit from the agents of the former king? Would you even let them in the door? Tarquin sent some of his men to Rome with a lot of promises that he would be a nicer king in the future (if the Romans let him back in), with the presumed threat that if they did not allow him to return, he would try to come back by force. They requested permission to share this good news publicly. The two consuls, Brutus and Tarquinius Collatinus, thought it would be only fair to let the ambassadors have a chance to speak. Valerius disagreed. Do you think there should be limits on what people can say, or on who should be heard? Tarquin tried a second time, saying that he did not even want to be king any longer, but just wanted enough money and goods to let him live comfortably. In this case it was Brutus who felt the most strongly against sending anything of any kind to Tarquin (do you think he deserved any compensation?), but he was outnumbered in this decision. Since things seemed to be looking up for Tarquin, his men decided to hang around a little bit longer and see if they could drum up any support for the king. They found some young men named the Vitellii brothers, who happened to be friends (and cousins) of two sons of Brutus, and they lured them all with some wild promises of rewards they would get if they agreed to help Tarquin's cause. Vocabulary: popular and
specious proposals -- specious means
false, lacking truth Section to read -- From "For ambassadors came from Tarquin, with popular and specious proposals" to "who were lodging upon the spot with the Aquilii, and were present at the consultation." After you read -- 1. Valerius/Poplicola was not one of the consuls, yet they listened to his opinion in the question of allowing Tarquin's ambassadors to speak publicly. Why do you think they respected his wisdom in this case? What do you think might have happened if the men had been allowed to speak? Why do you think Plutarch says that "the poorer people entertained more fear of war than of tyranny"? 2. If you were the ambassadors, what sort of people would you try to lure onto your hook? Why do you think they would have been especially delighted with these particular young men? Read Proverbs 1:10-33. How could this passage help someone avoid making a similar mistake? Lesson 3 Before you read -- This section is not for the faint of heart. It shows the consequence of the treachery of Brutus' sons, and the importance that Rome and the government had in the eyes of their father and others such as Valerius/Poplicola. The last section ended with the slave Vindicius overhearing the plot to assassinate both Brutus and Collatinus. In this reading, Vindicius does not want to go directly to either of them because he fears to bring such a great charge against close family members of the consuls. (Although the young men do not seem to have shown any great love towards their uncle and father, for their part.) In the end, he decides to go to the one person he knows who is wise, powerful and also kind-Valerius. Valerius acts promptly to seize both the traitors and the incriminating papers, and justice is carried out swiftly. Vocabulary: arraign -- to accuse, formally charge with a crime-same as indict, indictment Section to read -- From "Upon their departure, Vindicius secretly quitted the house" to "than Romulus in the foundation of the city." After you read -- In his position as consul, Brutus believed he had to allow the full punishment for treason, not showing favoritism towards his own family. In his story of a later Brutus (the one involved in the assassination of Julius Caesar), Plutarch describes the first Brutus this way: "But that ancient Brutus was of a severe and inflexible nature, like steel of too hard a temper, and having never had his character softened by study and thought, he let himself be so far transported with his rafe and hatred against tyrants, that, for conspiring with them, he proceeded to the execution even of his own sons." Do you agree with Plutarch that it was Brutus' fanatical rage and hatred that allowed him to carry out this deed? Or was it an act of self-defence and justice? After all, these sons had conspired to kill him. Should he have forgiven them? (Note also that he gave his sons a chance to defend themselves, and they refused.) A
Biblical parallel to Brutus may be found in II Samuel 19:1-8. When David mourned excessively
for Absalom, his general Joab came to him and reproved him, saying that
An extra assignment -- In spite of the execution scene, this section has several interesting and enjoyable moments. The dilemma of the slave Vindicius, who has overheard everything and now must decide what to do with his information, is worthy of a Shakespearean monologue. In fact, Plutarch was one of Shakespeare's favorite books, and he borrowed heavily from the Lives for several of his plays including Julius Caesar. Pretend you are Shakespeare looking for new play material, and write the conspiracy scene (and/or Vindicius' musings afterward) in dramatic form. Lesson 4 Before you read -- This section begins with what sounds like a completely unjust idea to modern ears. Because Vindicius, the star witness, is the slave of the Aquillii, the defendants in this court case, they request and almost receive permission to have him given into their own custody (and they would therefore prevent him from testifying against them). It seems much like modern-day laws that prevent a wife from testifying against her husband. Collatinus is more than happy to agree to this (not wanting to see his nephews executed), but Valerius steps in and demands protection for Vindicius and punishment for the traitors. His reputation for justice and fairness is finally rewarded as he accepts the position of consul (Collatinus is sent on permanent vacation). The last section of this reading (from "The pleasantest part of the field of Mars" to "thus some tell the story" is what we today would call a sidebar; it gives some extra information but is not essential to understanding the story. If time is short, you can skip over it. Vocabulary:
easiness and
tardiness -- indifference and
unwillingness to act promptly Section to read -- From "Upon Brutus's departure out of the forum" to "she had also the liberty to marry, but refused it; thus some tell the story. " After you read -- What character qualities does Valerius/Poplicola show in this passage? Why do you think he cared about the fate of one very lowly slave (more than he did about the lives of two Roman citizens)? Describe these events from the point of view of Vindicius. Find out more about what it meant to be a citizen of Rome. Who could be a citizen? What rights did a citizen have? St. Paul was a citizen of Rome; how did his citizenship help him on at least one occasion? Lesson 5 Before you read -- Do you remember the U.S. presidential election when the votes had to be repeatedly recounted? Even a small number of votes would decide the next President and might change the course of history. Something similar also happened around a gold medal in Olympic figure skating; when the points were recalculated, a different winner was announced, to the jubilation of not only the skaters but (it seemed) a whole country. The outcome of the battle described in this section is not unlike those events. The Romans' sadness over the loss of Brutus seemed to be made up for by a sudden burst of enthusiasm and confidence that allowed them to win the day...by just one "point". Vocabulary: Tuscans -- Etruscans, a formerly powerful group of people who agree
to help restore
Tarquin to the throne Section to read -- From "Tarquin, despairing of a return to his kingdom by the conspiracy" to "with so much eagerness and emulation through all the after ages." After you read -- The question of the "divine announcement" may be the first thing to discuss here. It is obvious that SOMETHING happened; somehow the Roman troops received a much-needed boost of confidence that allowed them to jump up and plunder the Tuscan tents. We might think that it was the sudden shouting and rush of soldiers that frightened the Tuscans away, but Plutarch seems to be saying that the Tuscans also heard the voice, that is, that they ran away before the Romans attacked their camp. Is there any other logical explanation for what happened? Is it possible that it was some kind of a trick? Plutarch says that Brutus and Tarquin's son both acted with "more fury than forethought." Do you think he is right? Was this self-sacrifice the best choice, or would Brutus have done more by leading his men in the rest of the battle? Finally, look at the role of Valerius/Poplicola in this battle. True to what we know of his steady leadership, he was not out for personal revenge, but continued to do his best even when the army seemed to be defeated. He also continued to grow in power, with the death of Brutus and his own magnificent Triumph. Why do you think he was greeted with so much "eagerness and emulation"? Research: find out more about Roman Triumphs. What typically happened when a hero entered the city? Choose a scene from the reading to illustrate, OR write a series of headlines that might have appeared in the "Roman Daily News." Lesson 6 Before you read -- This passage is longer than that of Lesson 5. As you read, pay attention particularly to the ways that Poplicola (he is finally called mainly by that name) shows wisdom and magnanimity (discuss what magnanimity is--see the definition below). If you are reading with a younger student, you may wish to stop at the point "by his sole authority enacted his best and most important measures." The rest of the passage details those measures, several important political and legal changes that Poplicola made while he still had absolute power, temporary though it might be. Vocabulary: obsequies -- funeral rites or ceremonies Section to read -- From "The people applauded likewise the honors he did to his colleague" to "Caprarii, and Porcii, from caprae, goats, and porci, hogs. " After you read -- What might have happened at this point if Poplicola had allowed himself to give in to selfish ambition? How did he make it clear that he had no such intentions? Why was one of Poplicola's first moves to increase the number of senators? Wouldn't this weaken his own power? He also made laws "which added much to the peoples' liberty." Do you think that his tax cuts and so on were just politically prudent ways to gain votes and personal popularity? How could a law against disobeying the consuls (or one consul, at this point) be more of an advantage to the "commonality" than to the nobles? (Think of "Free Parking" in Monopoly.) Lesson 7--Success and Power Before you read -- It is said that "power corrupts." Think of kings and other rulers you know of who became greedy or ruthless as their power grew. Why do you think it is so easy for a ruler to become corrupted? Can you think of anyone who resisted that temptation? This reading can be divided into two parts. The first describes some of Poplicola's acts as consul, and the events around the selection of his "co-consuls"--first Lucretius and then Marcus Horatius. You may have to go through the law about usurpation slowly. Basically, if you killed someone who was planning to overthrow the government, you would be acquitted of murdering that person, provided that you could show proof that that was the case. It was ruled that you could "shoot first, ask questions later" because if the potential usurper thought that he was about to be caught, he might go through with his plan and take over the government, thereby excusing himself from being prosecuted for that crime! The second law involved the handling of tax money in Rome. The second part moves back to Tarquin, who was preparing, with the Tuscans, to attack Rome again. As king, he had designed an ornamental chariot that was supposed to be placed on top of one of the buildings in the Capitol, and he had hired Tuscan craftsmen from Veii to complete the work. Although he was no longer king, the work had proceeded and it was now time to fire the creation--but Tarquin's plans...backfired. Vocabulary: acquitted -- found not guilty Note on vocabulary: there are other words in this section that would be difficult to understand out of context; however, if you read carefully, the events of the story should become clear. If something is still not understood, you may wish to look up any words that cause confusion. Section to read: From "Amidst this mildness and moderation" to "permitted delivery of the chariot." After you read: The first part of this reading shows Poplicola's attitude toward power. Look at the examples of the two laws he made and at his attitudes towards his two co-consuls. As for the second law, how did Poplicola's attitude towards holding the treasury money differ from that of Judas Iscariot? (see John 12:6) What do these things show about his character and about his vision of the Roman Republic? The second part is the story of Tarquin's chariot. Why do you think the Romans believed so strongly in superstition, omens, and lucky charms? Is there any logical explanation for something which expands rather than shrinks when it is fired? Or is it possible that this part of the story is only legend? (If there is any confusion here, note that it was not the decorative chariot that ran away to the Capitol, but another one.) Note that the Tuscans are friendly to Tarquin; they want him to have success and power. But "the gods" seem to favour Poplicola. To what do you attribute Poplicola's success as a leader? Supernatural help (from God or the gods)? His own character and ability (prudence in laws, conduct in wars)? Lucky circumstances and timing? A combination? Further research: Find and study pictures of the Roman capitol. Lesson 8 With some people, you can't win: even if you deserve all the credit and honour you receive, they won't admit you've earned it, or think you've already got too much. In this section, we see some envy of Poplicola creeping in, especially of his having the honour of dedicating the temple of Jupiter - obviously some people feel that is a little much! So they vote for Horatius to do it while Poplicola is conveniently away. Poplicola's brother Marcus decides to heckle Horatius with a bit of nasty humour during the dedication ceremony - seemingly with the intent of making him flub up this important moment. However, Horatius keeps his head and completes the dedication. The rest of this section is really a sidebar - it tells about how the temple was destroyed and rebuilt three times (which explains why you won't see photographs of the Capitol with Tarquin's terracotta chariot on top), but never with the same beauty, more with "a mere disease of building." Vocabulary to sue for
something -- not to start a
lawsuit, but rather to make a petition or appeal to be allowed to do
something Read from: "The building of the temple" to "And thus much for this matter." Discussion Questions and Narration Ideas Plutarch says that Horatius must have been a man of "wonderful self-possession." Do you think he believed what Marcus shouted out? Why would Marcus have wanted to "avert him from his performance?" Do you think this illustrates a key difference between Poplicola and his brother? What do you think the lines mean, that "'Tis not beneficence, but, truth to say, A mere disease of giving things away?" Can you give any modern applications of this "disease?" Just for interest: Here are the dates of the various destruction and
rebuildings of the temple: Lesson 9 -- this lesson can be done in two parts if you prefer) Summary: In Part One, Tarquin attempts a comeback with the aid of Lars Porsenna, an Etruscan prince. When their demands are ignored, they make war on the Romans. Poplicola defiantly builds a fortified "city," Sigliuria, and fills it with Romans; however, like the story of the Three Little Pigs, the wolf arrives and forces them to flee back to Rome. Both Poplicola and the other consul at this time, Lucretius, are wounded while the war rages by the river. At this point, Horatius and his men save the bridge and the battle. Part Two is a Mission Impossible kind of story. As the Etruscans continue to besiege Rome, Poplicola's army does do some damage but is threatened by famine. During this time, a man named Mucius disguises himself as an Etruscan and infiltrates Porsenna's camp, with the intention of killing Porsenna...if he can just figure out which one that is! His story demonstrates again (like Horatius) the daring and courage of Roman soldiers. Note time passing: Poplicola is chosen for a second and then a third term as consul. Vocabulary and Places of Note: Clusium -- also called Chiusi, a town in central Italy Read from: "Tarquin, after the great battle" to "he was also called Postumus." Questions and Narration Ideas Macaulay's famous
poem "Horatius at the Bridge" can be read here: For more information on Porsenna (also spelled Porsena) and this story, check out this website: http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/larsporsena/ . There is a painting of the Mucius Scaevola story by Cavallino as well as Macaulay's Horatius. Choose either one of these stories and do some creative
narration. For older students -- write about the Roman concept of heroism (compared with our own?), using Horatius and/or Mucius Scaevola as examples. Here is something to get you started: "Three concepts
were dear to them -- Source: http://www-english.tamu.edu/pers/fac/dickson/Aeneid.htm Lesson 10: Like Father, Like Daughter Summary: Vocabulary: arbitration -- judgment or negotiation Read from: "Poplicola, not so much esteeming" to "plain and antique workmanship." Questions and Narration Ideas: Restate this in your own words: "Poplicola, not so much esteeming Porsenna's enmity dangerous to Rome as his friendship and alliance serviceable...." Do you agree with Poplicola's judgment here? In fact, Porsenna's enmity has been extremely dangerous to Rome; some sources say that he may even have taken over the city and ruled for a short time. In any case, it would seem better to have such a powerful leader as a friend rather than an enemy. What does it say about Poplicola's character that he would send his own daughter as one of the hostages, and that he would send her back again after she escapes? Is there a personal risk to him or to her by including her in the group? We don't know exactly how old Valeria and her friends are, but Plutarch says they are "young girls." Can you imagine yourself as Poplicola's daughter? Do you think Valeria shows the courage and wisdom of her father? Imagine (write, act out, illustrate) the scene between father and daughter when Valeria shows up back home after her swim across the river. You can read more
about Cloelia here: Lesson 11 Summary: As an opening to this lesson, you might review what we know of Marcus (from the episode of the dedication of the temple), and compare that to his brother Poplicola. If you were Poplicola, how would you feel if you were suddenly replaced by your brother? (Knowing Poplicola, what reaction might you expect?) What kind of a consul would you expect him to be? This reading is a little bit rambling and will not be as easy to follow (for younger students) as the more action-oriented sections. There are two distinct periods covered here: first, the year that Poplicola was not consul at all (his brother Marcus was chosen), and the year after that when Poplicola was consul for the fourth time. In the first part, the Sabines continued to attack the Romans, but under Marcus (note: with Poplicola's help), Rome won a great victory, and Marcus was given recognition and a house at the public expense. The next year, under Poplicola, Rome was threatened by a joint attack of the Sabines and the Latins, and the Romans were also discouraged by certain signs that the gods seemed to be against them. Poplicola handled both situations with his usual reassuring presence and problem-solving ability. Vocabulary: "as all accession
to his triumph": in addition to
the public recognition he was already given Read from: "Afterwards, the Sabines" to "inferior to none in Rome." Discussion and Narration Ideas: How did the peoples' superstition and fear of the gods affect their attitude toward defending their city? How did Poplicola handle this situation? Do you agree with his actions? Write or act out a scene between Poplicola and his advisors; OR imagine a conversation between yourself and someone in Rome who tells you about the "curse" on Rome and what the consuls are doing to appease the gods. Why was Poplicola not only happy to hear about the turmoil between the various groups of Sabines, but eager to encourage it?! What do you think his motives were for inviting the Clausus family (actually five thousand families!) to come to Rome? (See note below.) Note on Appius Clausus -- mainly for older students, but parents of younger students may wish to use this as reference material) Some explanation is needed of the Sabines (who were possibly being stirred up by Tarquin), and Appius Clausus (also called Attius Claudius), who became consul himself a few years after his arrival in Rome. This family later became very important in Rome (most parents will remember I, Claudius). Why did Poplicola invite so many of these people to Rome? Bernard J. Kavanagh says, in "The Admission of the Claudian Family to Rome" (available online), "Rome's stability was shaken by a number of wars and incursions. Lars Porsenna had harassed the city almost to the point of submission and other neighbors were posing no less a threat. If there is one thing evident here, it is that the city needed more men." That is, men to fight in the army, and families to settle in disputed land and areas that were strategically important around Rome; Kavanagh also says: "Certain aspects of the ancient version of this story remain questionable. For example, the idea that Appius Clausus supported Roman interests in the Sabine council, i.e., that he was pro-Roman even when he was pre-Roman, is too flattering to be accepted unequivocally. The bare facts of the story, however, that Appius Clausus, his family and dependants, were granted citizenship and he himself was enrolled among the patricians in the early years of the Republic is not only consistent throughout a host of ancient sources but historically plausible as well." (Kavanagh, ibid.) Lesson 12 -- Conclusion Part One is about the Sabines and their revenge on the Romans. They set up an ambush, but Poplicola outsmarts them, and he receives the full credit for this. He is at the peak of his leadership and his fortunes. Part Two is about his death and funeral, "the object of universal regret and sorrow." In Plutarch's comparison of Poplicola and Solon, he says that Poplicola was "the most eminent amongst the Romans" and "the fountain of their honour." Vocabulary Fidenae:
a city near Rome (from an online encyclopedia: "FIDENAE, an ancient
town of Latium, situated about 5 In. N. of Rome on the Via Salaria,
which'' ran between it and the Tiber. It was for some while the
frontier of the Roman territory and was often in the hands of Veii.") Discussion and Narration Ideas -- possible exam questions too) As Plutarch says, success in battle was usually attributed to the favor of the gods. Why was this success, Poplicola's last battle, "attributed to the conduct of one captain?" Explain the Sabines' plan of attack, and Poplicola's counterattack. In Plutarch's comparison of Solon and Poplicola, he quotes Solon as saying "A people always minds its rulers best When it is neither humored nor oppressed." How is this a fitting description of Poplicola? At the end of the comparison, he describes "the virtue and gallant disposition of the Romans" of which Poplicola could be taken as a prime example. What are some synonyms for "gallant?" Do you remember the lesson where we discussed the meaning of "magnanimous"? How do those words fit the picture Plutarch has given us of Poplicola? For further thought / Bible Study Imagine
that Poplicola had come across a copy of the book of Proverbs. What
might have been some of his favorite verses? Do you think there
are
any proverbs that might have bothered him or made him wonder if his
life really was "full of all that is good and honorable?" |
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