Empire versus Republic

Throughout the novel, there is a constant struggle between the ideologies of a Roman Empire and a Roman Republic. Claudius does not want to accede to the throne because he believes in a free Republic that promotes liberty. Unfortunately, the majority of the people feel more comfortable with an empire that offers stability. The Republic was unstable and constantly involved in civil wars whereas the empire grows and offers a certain amount of protection to the citizens of Rome, despite the potential tyranny of a dictator. Claudius is dissuaded from renouncing his throne by Messalina and Herod Agrippa. An adjunct theme that is introduced in this novel is the theme that absolute power corrupts absolutely. Every character that is provided with a large amount of power becomes corrupt, as in the examples of Tiberius, Caligula, Messalina, Herod Agrippa, Agrippinilla and Lucius Domitius. Even Claudius is partially...