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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 7 page research paper that compares Ben Jonson's Sejanus His Fall (1603) to his source material, which is drawn from the Annals by the ancient Roman historian Tacitus. This discussion of both works demonstrates that Jonson was scrupulous in adhering to historical accuracy and also explores the possible reasons why Jonson would make historical accuracy a principal criteria for his work. The writer argues that Jonson adhered to Tacitus so minutely because it offered him a plausible defense in case of political prosecution, as well as offering a means for offering criticism of politics during his era. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Page Count:
7 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khjontac.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
his play on the Annals by Tacitus, concerning the historical Sejanus and his powerful career under the rule of Tiberius. The following discussion of both works demonstrates that Jonson was
scrupulous in adhering to historical accuracy and also explores the possible reasons why Jonson would make historical accuracy a principal criteria for his work. What Tacitus says about Sejanus
According to Tacitus, the reign of Tiberius can be neatly divided into two major periods, which are divided by the death of Drusus and the ascendancy of Sejanus (Ow). Tacitus
characterizes the initial period as a "time of reserve and craft assumption of virtue," while the later part of his reign is seen as a time of depravity, characterized by
"every wickedness and disgrace" (Tacitus VI.51). The principal charge against Tiberius is that he brought about public ruin, as the social fabric degenerated due to fear and distrust. For example,
Tacitus describes Caepio Crispinus, an informer, as worming "himself by stealthy information into the confidence of a vindictive prince," with the result that he "soon imperiled all the most distinguished
citizens" (Tacitus I.74). Tiberius is also seen by Tacitus as bringing about public ruin through not only his persecution of Sejanus, but also his continued persecution of Sejanus allies
after this fall, which resulted in abuse of the Roman legalistic process and which also served to illustrate the cruelty of Tiberius (Ow). Tacitus reports that Tiberius "ordered the
death of all who were lying in prison under accusation of complicity with Sejanus. There lay singly or in heaps, the unnumbered dead, of every age and sex, the illustrious
with the obscure" (Tacitus IV.19). Tacitus begins the fourth book of the Annals with a character sketch of Sejanus, the purpose of which is for readers "to see in
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