AP Latin : Content of Prose Passages
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Latin
All AP Latin Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Context Based Meaning Of Words And Phrases In Prose Passages
Ac mihi quidem videtur, iudices, hic introitus defensionis adulescentiae M. Caeli maxime convenire, ut ad ea, quae accusatores deformandi huius causa, detrahendae spoliandaeque dignitatis gratia dixerunt, primum respondeam. Obiectus est pater varie, quod aut parum splendidus ipse aut parum pie tractatus a filio diceretur. De dignitate M. Caelius notis ac maioribus natu et sine mea oratione et tacitus facile ipse respondet; quibus autem propter senectutem, quod iam diu minus in foro nobiscumque versatur, non aeque est cognitus, ii sic habeant, quaecumque in equite Romano dignitas esse possit, quae certe potest esse maxima, eam semper in M. Caelio habitam esse summam hodieque haberi non solum a suis, sed etiam ab omnibus, quibus potuerit aliqua de causa esse notus.
The word "versatur" should be translated as ____________.
it is turned about
it is considered
it lives
it turns
it is considered
The word "versatur" comes from "verso, versare, versavi, versatus," which means to turn around. It is common, however, to use this word to mean to consider when talking about decision-making. Here, where decisions and laws are being discussed - not to mention the forum, where many important discussions and speeches take place in Rome, the most appropriate translation would be it is considered.
(Passage adapted from Cicero's Pro Caelio, Section 2 (56 BCE))
Example Question #13 : Context Based Meaning Of Words And Phrases In Prose Passages
Ac mihi quidem videtur, iudices, hic introitus defensionis adulescentiae M. Caeli maxime convenire, ut ad ea, quae accusatores deformandi huius causa, detrahendae spoliandaeque dignitatis gratia dixerunt, primum respondeam. Obiectus est pater varie, quod aut parum splendidus ipse aut parum pie tractatus a filio diceretur. De dignitate M. Caelius notis ac maioribus natu et sine mea oratione et tacitus facile ipse respondet; quibus autem propter senectutem, quod iam diu minus in foro nobiscumque versatur, non aeque est cognitus, ii sic habeant, quaecumque in equite Romano dignitas esse possit, quae certe potest esse maxima, eam semper in M. Caelio habitam esse summam hodieque haberi non solum a suis, sed etiam ab omnibus, quibus potuerit aliqua de causa esse notus.
In the underlined portion, we learn that ___________.
Caelius is claiming that the prosecutors are slandering him
the prosecutors are claiming that Caelius wants to slander their client
Caelius has destroyed something
Caelius is being accused of stealing something
the prosecutors are claiming that Caelius wants to slander their client
In the first sentence, we learn that the accusers claim that Caelius only wants to slander the name of their client. The sentence translates as: But it seems to me, judges, that this introduction of the defense of the youth, Marcus Caelius is very appropriate because, according to she, who the accusers say must discredit, must drag down, must ruin her popularity and dignity; first, let me respond.
(Passage adapted from Cicero's Pro Caelio, Section 2 (56 BCE))
Example Question #61 : Content Of Prose Passages
Ac mihi quidem videtur, iudices, hic introitus defensionis adulescentiae M. Caeli maxime convenire, ut ad ea, quae accusatores deformandi huius causa, detrahendae spoliandaeque dignitatis gratia dixerunt, primum respondeam. Obiectus est pater varie, quod aut parum splendidus ipse aut parum pie tractatus a filio diceretur. De dignitate M. Caelius notis ac maioribus natu et sine mea oratione et tacitus facile ipse respondet; quibus autem propter senectutem, quod iam diu minus in foro nobiscumque versatur, non aeque est cognitus, ii sic habeant, quaecumque in equite Romano dignitas esse possit, quae certe potest esse maxima, eam semper in M. Caelio habitam esse summam hodieque haberi non solum a suis, sed etiam ab omnibus, quibus potuerit aliqua de causa esse notus.
How should "ut" be translated?
How
So that
That
As
So that
The word "ut" should be translated as so that because it is being used in a purpose clause. This clause is being used by the prosecutors of the speaker's client to explain why the client committed the crime. Furthermore, this purpose clause is followed by another statement of purpose, this time using a gerund + causa in order to indicate the purpose: "deformandi causa."
(Passage adapted from Cicero's Pro Caelio, Section 2 (56 BCE))
All AP Latin Resources
