mckaywest11e

Quiz for Primary Source 6.5: Quintilian, Institutes of Oratory

Question

1. Which of these did Quintilian consider “the first essential” of a perfect orator?

That he should be a good man

That he be handsome

That he have a loud and powerful voice

That he should be fluent in five or more languages

Correct. The answer is a. Quintilian believed that the gifts of the orator reached their highest potential only when used in the service of society and the state.

Incorrect. The answer is a. Quintilian believed that the gifts of the orator reached their highest potential only when used in the service of society and the state.

Question

2. Why did Quintilian believe it was preferable for a future orator to be educated at a large school, rather than at home?

Because oratory is a public art

Because private tutors were often corrupt

Because large schools employed the best teachers

Because that is what tradition dictated

Correct. The answer is a. In Quintilian’s view, a large school provided a similar environment to the one in which an aspiring orator would operate as an adult.

Incorrect. The answer is a. In Quintilian’s view, a large school provided a similar environment to the one in which an aspiring orator would operate as an adult.

Question

3. Based on Quintilian’s account, which of these describes the atmosphere of a large Roman school?

Serious and studious

Highly competitive

Slow and sleepy

Shallow and frivolous

Correct. The answer is b. Quintilian described the competition for accomplishment at a Roman school as one of its primary virtues.

Incorrect. The answer is b. Quintilian described the competition for accomplishment at a Roman school as one of its primary virtues.