2c. Content of Prose Literature (H443/03) - Group 1 - For examination in 2030, 2031 and 2032 (sixth set text cycle) — OCR A-Level Latin
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2c. Content of Prose Literature (H443/03) - Group 1 - For examination in 2030, 2031 and 2032 (sixth set text cycle) explained
2c. Content of Prose Literature (H443/03) - Group 1 - For examination in 2030, 2031 and 2032 (sixth set text cycle) covers 2 specification points, including Cicero, In Catilinam 1, 1–18 and Livy, Book 2, 9–14.
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Open a point below for its explanation and revision guidance.
Cicero, In Catilinam 1, 1–18
This Group 1 prose prescription is the opening of Cicero's First Catilinarian, sections 1–18, studied for examination in 2030, 2031 and 2032. The speech opens with Cicero addressing Catiline directly, demanding to know how long he will abuse the Senate's patience, and pressing him to leave Rome. Across these sections Cicero builds a case: he claims knowledge of Catiline's plans, contrasts Catiline's guilt with the Senate's forbearance, and urges him to depart into exile. Learn the sequence of Cicero's arguments, the rhetorical appeals he makes, and the addressee of each section, so that multiple-choice questions on content and rhetoric can be answered accurately within sections 1–18 only.
Livy, Book 2, 9–14
This row names the prescribed Livian passage for the sixth set text cycle, examined in 2030, 2031 and 2032 within Group 1 of the Prose Literature component. The learner's task is to read Livy, Book 2, chapters 9 to 14 in Latin, building a secure literal understanding before analysing style, characterisation and narrative technique. Work through the chapters in order, keeping a vocabulary and construction log, and note how Livy presents early Republican figures and values. Prepare translation practice and a bank of stylistic observations, each tied to a specific Latin phrase, so that any discussion of effect rests on the text itself rather than on general impressions.
Your focus
- Identify the addressee of the opening of In Catilinam 1.
- Sequence Cicero's arguments across sections 1–18.
- Recognise rhetorical techniques used within the prescribed sections.
Show all 6 objectives
- Translate passages from Livy, Book 2, 9–14 accurately into English.
- Identify and explain stylistic and narrative features with reference to the Latin.
- Relate the content of the prescribed chapters to their historical and literary context.
2c. Content of Prose Literature (H443/03) - Group 1 - For examination in 2030, 2031 and 2032 (sixth set text cycle) exam tips
Marking Points
- Identifies the prescription as the opening sections 1–18 of Cicero's First Catilinarian.
- Recognises that the speech opens with Cicero addressing Catiline directly rather than the Senate as a body.
- Traces the sequence of Cicero's arguments across sections 1–18, including his demand that Catiline leave Rome.
- Distinguishes Cicero's rhetorical appeals and the addressee of each passage within the prescribed range.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Learn the opening address to Catiline first, since questions often test the addressee.
- 💡Track Cicero's argument step by step through sections 1–18 so you can place a claim correctly.
- 💡Note the rhetorical techniques Cicero uses and where each appears in the prescribed range.
- 💡Build a chapter-by-chapter vocabulary and construction list for Book 2, 9–14 and revise it regularly.
- 💡Annotate your Latin text with short notes on characterisation, rhetoric and narrative stance, each linked to a quoted phrase.
- 💡Practise translating short extracts aloud and then in writing so that literal accuracy and stylistic comment are both secure.
Common Mistakes
- States that the speech opens with Cicero addressing the Senate; recognise that the opening directly addresses Catiline.
- Confuses the First Catilinarian with another speech; keep to In Catilinam 1, sections 1–18.
- Attributes a rhetorical move to the wrong point in the sequence; check where in sections 1–18 it occurs.
- Treats the passage as a general essay topic and ignores the Latin wording; anchor every comment to a specific phrase in chapters 9 to 14.
- Reads only a modern translation and cannot explain the Latin constructions; work from the Latin and use a translation only as a check.
- Assumes the set text runs beyond chapter 14 or begins before chapter 9; confine preparation to the prescribed chapters.