I, Claudius Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Pick one of the following characters and contrast the character in the story with his or her historical character:
a) Augustus
b) Tiberius
c) Livia
d) Caligula
e) Claudius

2. Contrast the Roman path to power with the American path. What does it take to be a successful person in Rome compared to what it takes in our country? Are the definitions of success the same in both cultures? If not, how do they differ?

3. Is this novel simply an entertaining story, or are there parallels to our modern world?...
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