The Rise of Rome Literary Elements

Historiography

Early Rome: the tale of Romulus and Remus and the reign of the kings to the Gallic siege of Rome (753BC-390BC)

Omniscient narrator, written in the third person by Livy
Imbued with Livy's personal beliefs regarding the importance of restoring moral character to Augustan Rome

Overall, Livy utilizes a didactic tone in The Rise of Rome, in keeping with his historiographical aim to demonstrate the importance of moral character in maintaining Rome's success. Livy also writes in a laudatory tone praising the labors of the early Romans. The mood shifts to jubilant and celebratory following triumphs over barbarian groups and the victories of great Roman generals, but becomes despondent as Livy mourns the Romans' periodic suffering.

The Romans (led by M.F. Camillus) against invading or enemy groups such as the Veiians or the Gauls

The ransom payment by the Romans to the Gauls and the Gauls' cheating of the exchange through unequal weights marks the major conflict of The Rise of Rome. Brennus insolently adds his own sword to the weight, exclaiming in response, "Woe to the vanquished!"
Camillus fortunately intervenes prior to the completion of the ransom payment.

The climax occurs at Camillus' glorious defeat of the Gauls and the ensuing triumphal parade. Camillus is lauded with the titles Romulus, father of the fatherland and a second founder of Rome.

Foreshadowing occurs heavily through Livy's signature periodic style. Lengthy periods, composed of subordinate clauses, ablative absolutes and participial phrases, mirror the increased burden placed upon the Romans by misfortune, whether from war or famine. Livy often uses a short sentence prior to a detailed description of events to foreshadow the outcome of new developments in history.

Not used within Livy's literary style.

Livy alludes to other historical events and makes intra-textual allusions to other books in his own history. Recounting Camillus' death following a virulent outbreak of plague, Livy cites the general's many achievements during The Rise of Rome.

Livestock and naval imagery appear as part of the limited number of similes and metaphors used by Livy. Livy describes the diseased Gauls as dying like sheep in a flock.

Not used as part of Livy's historiographical style.

Parallelism is common in the structures of each book of Livy's history. Livy writes annalstically, with statements of consulships and key events marking the opening of each book.

Not used as part of Livy's historiographical style.

Not used as part of Livy's historiographical style.