Question

What does plutarch view as the strengths and weaknesses of cicero?

Answer 1

Cicero by Plutarch. Cicero put on a silver plate which he dedicated to the gods- Marcus Tullius and then an engraving of a chickpea. He was known as the best poet and best orator. During time of Sulla Cicero took on Chrysongamus, a creature of Sulla, who had trumped up charges against Roscius to get at his immense wealth. Cicero won the case. Plutarch records that Cicero "owing to weakness of stomach could only with difficulty take a little light food late in the day." This comment is interesting in light of Cicero's remark that he always had butterflies before a speech. Common report is that after Roscius defense, Cicero left Rome to avoid wrath of Sulla. But when one examines what he did there it has the mark of something planned in advance. He studies under Philo, Antiochus to refine his speech- perhaps even mistakes and failing he noticed during the Roscius speech. Also studied under Xenocles of Adramyttum, Dionusus of Magnesia, Menippus the Carian, Apollonius of Molo and Posidonius. Besides if Sulla had genuinely been after him- a trip overseas would have been a perfect times to bump the dude off. He dove so fully into philosophy that he earned the nickname of "The Greek". Not good for a rising politician. To improve voice he took lessons from Roscius and Aesop who were the finest actors of the day.

Cicero loved jest, pleasantries and word play. I suggest but Plutarch does not that this was a sign of his deep seated ambition and that in a number of ways a volcano lived in a pleasant serene looking body. Could be very bitting toward others. Also tells neat story from Pro Plancio where he, Cicero, tells a story completely at his own expense. But his desire for glory may have outweighed good sense sometimes. A demon he had to wrestle with his whole life.