I, Claudius: Analysis and Discussion of the Main Character
Claudius had many physical problems that made him seem weak and ineffective to the people around him. He stuttered, he suffered from paralysis or cerebral palsy, and he often is accused of listening too much to his wife and other advisors. However, this book largely portrays him as a wise man and astute leader, who certainly made mistakes, but was adept in many areas, as well. In fact, the book proves he is quite astute, and manages to survive longer than many other Roman rulers, who did not fare as well in their leadership.Early in the book he shows that he is a sensitive man when he describes how his family treated him because of his physical problems, and how that hurt him. Graves writes, "As for Augustus, though he never treated me with calculated cruelty, he disliked having me in the same room with him as much as my grandmother did" (Graves 56). Claudius grew up lonely and isola
Near the end of the book he thinks, "'So I'm Emperor, am I? What nonsense! But at least I'll be able to make people read my books now'" (Graves 467). The character also shows his extensive knowledge of Roman society and politics, two things that would help him lead when he became emperor. Claudius also talks a lot about women in Roman society, showing many of them to be scheming and wicked. He is basically a good man in a corrupt, power-hungry system. This shows that Claudius was not mad with power, and that he wanted to rule fairly and make a mark on history, which he did. This character shows his own intelligence and wit, and his dedication to Rome and Roman society, even though he thinks ruling is silly and will ultimately lead to his downfall. The book is full of sentiments like these, showing Claudius as a reasonable and wise ruler who would do many things for Rome during his empire. In fact, Rome conquered Britain during his reign, which shows how far reaching his policies and political reach actually went. ted, and even his own family ignored him because of his infirmities, and yet, he rose to be the emperor of the greatest republic on earth at the time, showing that even those with many disabilities can rise to greatness. In fact, he actually dies at the hand of his own wife, so that his adopted son Nero can take the throne, so in the end, someone he trusts turns on him. He is wise, savvy, and sensitive at the same time, and he makes mistakes, as any human does, which seems to make him all the more likeable and sympathetic. He shows that overcoming obstacles can really happen, no matter what the circumstances are. He also comes from a long line of emperors (the emperor Augustus is his grandfather), which shows that leadership comes naturally to him, and that he has learned from the people who came before him. For example, Graves writes, "To recommend a monarchy on account of the prosperity it gives the provinces seems to me like recommending that a man should have liberty to treat his children as slaves, if at the time he treats his slaves with reasonable consideration" (Graves 163). He also knows that being emperor is not his ultimate goal.
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I'm Emperor,
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