Caesar, Gallic War, Books 1 and 6

To build tension during battle descriptions.

To detail the daily routines of Roman soldiers.

To provide comedic relief in dialogue.

To emphasize romantic subplots among characters.

It undermines Roman military accomplishments by attributing success to Gallic incompetence rather than skill.

It shows Rome’s vulnerability by emphasizing how close they come to defeat due to underestimating their enemy.

It portrays Gauls as equally capable but lacking opportunity, suggesting potential for future alliances with Rome.

It highlights Rome’s superiority and justifies their conquest through displaying disciplined behavior.

Highlighting letters sent home expressing doubts about survival.

Portraying numerous attempts at negotiation with surrounding tribes.

Through vivid descriptions of dwindling supplies and frequent skirmishes.

By illustrating soldiers’ fear through emotional speeches given by various characters.

Neuter

Common

Masculine

Feminine

Anaphora

Chiasmus

Asyndeton

Polysyndeton

Seeking personal glory and recognition from the Roman Senate.

Responding to a direct request for assistance from allied tribes in Britain.

Establishing Roman dominance and expanding the empire's influence.

Establishing trade routes to improve economic ties between Rome and Britain.

It enhances the dramatic tension within the narrative directly.

It diminishes the clarity of military actions and strategies.

It adds an element of personal bias and emotional involvement.

It creates a sense of objectivity and distance from the events described.

Personal diary documenting daily events.

Academic history for educational purposes.

Poetic epic to entertain his audience.

Political propaganda for his own achievements.

Strengthening pauses for dramatic effect.

Adding humor through wordplay.

Smooth transitions between words that maintain rhythmic flow.

Highlighting names and places for clarity.

Navis

Equus

Murus

Gladius