Characterizing Tiberius and Sejanus in the Opening Chapter of the Annals Euan Wallace 12th Grade

Throughout chapter 1, Tacitus combines a range of literary techniques with a variety of contextual factors (such as the death of Germanicus and certain rumours surrounding the underhand methods with which Sejanus rose to power) to characterise both men in a highly negative manner, reflecting the general subordination of integrity and moral fibre to the acquisition of power. Indeed, the connotations of wealth and prosperity in the words ‘compositae’ (well ordered) and ‘florentis’ (flourishing) contrast heavily to the subsequently mentioned death of Germanicus, highlighting the fact that Tiberius has benefitted directly from the suffering of others and, by extension, characterising him as a cold, almost heartless figure. The direct juxtaposition of the phrases ‘Germanici mortem’ (the death of Germanicus) and ‘inter prospera’ (amongst his blessings) serves to further underscore his acceptance of death and suffering as a tool for the further attainment of power, emphasising the lack of compassion in both his character and his emperorship.

This lack of human empathy is particularly concerning considering Tiberius’s extremely high level of influence, characterising him as a dangerous emperor who, as long as he will benefit, will not...