Apparizioni, fantasmi e altre 'ombre' in morte e resurrezione dello Stato. Fictio, allegoria e strategie oratorie nella pro Milone di Cicerone

Abstract

The case of the Pro Milone is perhaps one the most successful examples of the Ciceronian literary writing. Due to the critical situation of the res publica, this text achieves a high level of formal perfection: a dense web of allegories and allegorical personifications has therefore a leading role in the oration, condemning the wicked behaviour of Clodius, whose corpse is still shaking the State, and encouraging Republican institutions to resistance. In this respect, the strategic use of personification enables the orator to evoke on the trial ‘stage’ various places: from the Appian Way to the mountains and woods made by Clodius protagonists, rather than locations, of his misdeeds. Similarly effective is a special kind of personification, by which Cicero gives voice to his client, presenting in an acquitting perspective the way that has driven Milo to liberate the Republic from the cumbersome presence of Clodius.