Questions About Dictator (Cicero, #3)

by Robert Harris (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (5)

How would Cicero have dealt with Trump? For all our sakes please tell us!

Rob Brooks Trump has the avarice of Crassus, the ego of Pompey and the daring of Caesar. Could he be the embodiment of the triumvirate who destroyed the Republic…moreTrump has the avarice of Crassus, the ego of Pompey and the daring of Caesar. Could he be the embodiment of the triumvirate who destroyed the Republic? Absolutely. But yes, he also has the cheap populism of Clodius, or of Saturninus from a generation before. Let us hope his political career is shorter than theirs were.(less)

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Why does a powerful orator and lawyer like Cicero take the unconstitutional path in suppressing the Catiline conspiracy? A trial would have been perfect for his political talents. An opportunity for far-reaching class-warfare. Instead he uses martial law to execute citizens, albeit treasonous. He is acclaimed for saving the republic. And subsequently, a spent political force. Was that choice his tragic flaw?

ErnstG Re under-estimating Octavian: I don't know that Cicero had as much choice as that. He sounds like a sensible man who lived in a time when Caesar, Pomp…moreRe under-estimating Octavian: I don't know that Cicero had as much choice as that. He sounds like a sensible man who lived in a time when Caesar, Pompey, Anthony and Octavian were calling the shots. In the middle of that dynamic picture he tried to live a life, satisfy his ambitions and mostly do the right thing. I walk way with a sense that he was more bufffeted by the forces operating in his time, than controlling anything.(less)

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I have not yet read the #1 and #2 of this trilogy. I am more interested by this one than the first 2 ones to be honest. Can I this #3 directly or do I have to start with the first 2 ones?

Kathi I'm confident you won't be lost without reading the other two, but obviously the backstory and the characters with their relationships will make more …moreI'm confident you won't be lost without reading the other two, but obviously the backstory and the characters with their relationships will make more sense if you read all three in order.(less)

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Is it ok to read this without reading the first two?

Bill Knowing little of Cicero I started at volume 1. I doubt That I would have got much out of Volume 3 on its own but Dictator is definitely the best read…moreKnowing little of Cicero I started at volume 1. I doubt That I would have got much out of Volume 3 on its own but Dictator is definitely the best read of the trilogy. I am also left with an appetite to read some of Cicero's own works. (less)

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