The Agricola; and the Germania; Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

The Agricola; and the Germania; Topics for Discussion

Tacitus shows several times throughout the novel that he is inaccurate in his descriptions of landscape and historical fact. Do you feel this inadequacy in his writing harms the intentions of the book Agricola? Explain your answer.

Agricola is said to have achieved many things throughout his time in Britain. Which do you believe was his greatest triumph? Explain your answer, using examples from the book.

Why do you believe Tacitus chose to leave all military references to specific troops and military groups out of the novel? Do you think his reasoning helped his eulogy to Agricola, or harmed it? Please be sure to support your answer using situations from the book.

Do you believe Tacitus admired the British, or looked down upon them? Using examples from the book, support your answer.

Throughout Germania, Tacitus talks about the German people in a very general sense. Discuss at least three aspects...
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