Chapter 9, Phillipic II Summary and Analysis

The Phillipics, of which there were fourteen, are improperly named. They refer to speeches given by a Greek orator, Demostehens, which were given against Philip II of Macedon. Cicero's Philippics also oppose and criticize a ruler - at this time, Marcus Antonius, who shared power with Caesar's nephew, Octavian. It has been six months since Caesar's assassination and all are afraid of political instability. Cicero returned to Rome after Caesar's assassination to find Antonius proposing honors to Caesar to the senate. Cicero is disgusted and does not come to the senate meeting. Antonius viciously lashes out at him. Cicero replies the next day with Phillipic I. He is outwardly polite but subtly attacks Antonius in a particularly brutal fashion. Antonius responds by publicly declaring his hatred of Cicero and demanding that he return to the senate. Cicero...