The beginnings of Roman literature go back to the third
century B.C., when some knowledge of the Greek language became increasingly
common in Rome. The earlier writers—chiefly poets and dramatists—did little
original work, and usually were content to translate and adapt the productions
of Greek authors for Roman audiences. During this period the Romans gradually
discovered the capabilities of their language for prose composition. The
republican institutions of Rome, like those of Athens, were highly favorable to
the art of public speaking. It was the development of oratory which did most to
mold the Latin language into fitness for the varied forms of prose.
CICERO
Cicero, the greatest of Roman orators, created a style for
Latin prose composition which has been admired and imitated by men of letters
even to our own day. Latin, in his hands, became a magnificent instrument for
the expression of human thought. Cicero's qualities as an author are shown, not
only by his Orations, but also by the numerous Epistles which he
wrote to friends and correspondents in all parts of the Roman world. Besides
their historical interest Cicero's letters are models of what good letters
ought to be—the expression of the writer's real thoughts and feelings in
simple, unstilted language. Cicero also composed a number of Dialogues,
chiefly on philosophical themes. If not very profound, they are delightfully
written, and long served as textbooks in the schools.
