Trivium
Curriculum/Tacitus: Annals & Histories/Tacitus's Preface: Writing Without Fear or Favor
Tacitus: Annals & HistoriesGrade 8dialectic Stage

Tacitus's Preface: Writing Without Fear or Favor

The Text

What You'll Learn

1

Comprehension

Identifies the problem Tacitus describes: historians wrote either flattery or malice, not truth

2

Cause & Consequence

Explains why historians wrote flattery: fear of the emperor, desire for advancement

3

Meaning

Connects to modern questions about truth-telling, journalism, or writing under pressure

4

Defense

Identifies what is strongest about the counterargument

How It Works

Your AI tutor will guide you through this text using the Socratic method. Instead of giving you answers, it asks questions that help you discover the meaning for yourself.

  • 1.Read the text carefully
  • 2.Answer the tutor's questions in your own words
  • 3.Progress through each stage as you demonstrate understanding
Start This Lesson

Free to try. No credit card required.