| This dissertation focuses on the narratological devices in the Commentaries which give the work their undeniable power. As a classical author, Caesar utilized the same range of techniques which one finds in historical prose as well as poetry. Caesar constructed a vigorous narrative and displayed a high degree of authorial control over his material.;The basic topic which binds each chapter together is an examination of the construction of images. Caesar carefully constructs images at the secondary level of discourse which underlies the primary level. These images are analyzed in several broad categories. First, Caesar uses characterization based on literary types to fashion images. The images of Caesar, the Caesarians, the Gauls, Pompey, and the Pompeians are created through general and specific characterization. Caesar is portrayed as the ideal general and the Caesarians as loyal to himself and Rome. The Gauls are generally described as barbarians, yet variations on this model emphasize important individuals. The Pompeians appear as decadent Easterners who are incompetent and villainous.;Dramatic models underscore and further characterization as important individuals are emphasized with dramatic structure. The organization of the episodes featuring Ariovistus, Vercingetorix, Curio, and Pompey reveals dramatic elements in recognizable patterns and reflect on the individual s character.;Caesar subtly enhances the reader s expectation by foreshadowing events in the narrative with six types of foreshadowing. Yet images are also enhanced through foreshadowing as Caesar again reinforces the basic characterization of himself, the Caesarians, and his enemies.;Catalogs are a common literary device in Caesar and they also promote characterization. Caesar constructs his catalogs based on topoi inherent in the literary tradition. The Gauls are portrayed as a leaderless horde and the Pompeians as an Eastern army.;Finally, images are created in battle scenes through the manipulation of stock scenes. These stock scenes are present in all ancient historians and the meaning of the text arises from the amalgamation of all the elements.;It is the purpose of this dissertation to establish Caesar's place in the literary tradition and to elevate his status from teaching text to artistic creation. |
