AbstractsLanguage, Literature & Linguistics

There is no doubt that the speeches in Sallust's histories are not quoted exactly but that, in accordance with the custom prevailing in classical times, words are put into the mouth of the speaker which might have been used under the given circumstances, which suit the occasion, and which serve to illustrate the character to be portrayed. It is natural that these speeches should differ in style from the plain historical parts of the writings and this has been found to be true. Different phases of Sallust's style have been noted and discussed by writers, and some differences in the style of the narrative part and the speeches have been pointed out. The abundance of rhetorical figures in the latter have been noted and are worthy of comment both from their number and variety. It seems, however, that no one has noticed Sallust's abundant use of synonyms in the speeches, a use that is characteristic of rhetorical style. This paper will attempt to show his fondness for pairing words, especially synonyms, and will compare this use as found in the speeches with that found in simple narrative.