How do lines 4–9 (verum Acerronia ... infertur) give a strong impression of Agrippina's quick thinking and intelligence?

During the shipwreck, Tacitus throws emphasis on Agrippina’s quick thinking and intelligence by juxtaposing the character with her companion, Acerronia. While Acerronia is defined by the qualifying “imprudentia”; Agrippina is “silens”. This is significant because in the context of the shipwreck, Agrippina is quick to realise that keeping quiet is her route to safety. Meanwhile, Tacitus uses the frequentative verb “clamitat”, as Acerronia, pretending to be the emperor’s mother, kept shouting for those around to come to help. This only results in her meeting a grim death at the hands of the assassins.
Agrippina, on the other hand, understands the situation and, despite receiving a wound herself, is all the less recognised, “eoque minus adgnita”, and remains unidentifiable as the target. Her logical escape is then underlined as Tacitus exhibits Agrippina’s balancing actions, “nando…occursu” which enable her escape. Despite the high pressure stakes, the historian suggests that Agrippina remains calm in her pursuit of safety, displaying her quick thinking and intelligence to the highest degree. She is thus conveyed to the safety of the shore, without meeting her death at sea.

RM
Answered by Rory M. Latin tutor

2645 Views

See similar Latin A Level tutors

Related Latin A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is an 'Ablative Absolute' and how can I translate it from Latin to English?


In the context of Plautus's comedy, evaluate the importance of role of the plot in Early Roman Theatre


In what ways does Virgil present Dido as an increasingly desperate individual in these lines? How does he communicate to the reader that the outcome will be disastrous for her?


What is the difference between a gerund and a gerundive?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning