Chapter 8 Summary

The events of this chapter are undated but may be inferred to have occurred around 8 AD. Livia has a personal friend and confidant named Urgulania. Urgulania has no political connections aside from Livia and is therefore completely compliant and trustworthy. Livia bestows various vague honors on Urgulania and thereby acquires certain minor political advantages. Urgulania has a daughter, Urgulanilla, who is single. As a sign of particular favor to Urgulania, Livia causes Claudius and Urgulanilla to be engaged. Claudius is hopeful, but when he sees Urgulanilla, he is distraught—she is a behemoth with the sex appeal of a gorilla and the intellect of a stone. Nevertheless, the engagement culminates in marriage; after the ceremony, Claudius and Urgulanilla are summoned into a private chamber before Livia and Urgulania where their cruel sponsors mock them at length.

Chapter 8 Analysis

Claudius' marriage is arranged...