Abstract
D.Litt. et Phil. (Latin)
The aim of this study is to establish the importance of the
comparative and superlative degrees of the adjective in general, to
evaluate the effectiveness of the comparatives and superlatives
which Tacitus applies in his writings, and to ascertain what
contribution they make to the individual texts and to the study of
Tacitus' works as a whole.
Conflict, contrast and comparison feature prominently in Tacitus'
record and interpretation of historical events, and his portrayal of
character. Conflict presupposes comparison and in this regard
comparatives and superlatives may be considered indispensable
elements of Tacitus' writings.
His skill in applying these degrees of the adjective allows him to
utilise them to the full, and, directly and indirectly, to record
and interpret, inform and imply, enhance and enliven, compare and
contrast, evoke and express, colour and persuade.
The persuasive power that comparatives and superlatives possess may
vary from negligible to significant and, consequently, they may be
classified as neutral or loaded respectively. They fulfill both an
intrinsic and contextual function, and an evaluation ~f their
effectiveness can only be determined after consideration of both
functions.