Article organization:
editLead
Plot
Characters
Main Themes
Background
Style
Critical Reception
Monica's Sections:
editPublications:
editAugustus is an epistolary novel by John Williams published by Viking Press in 1972. Williams and Augustus shared the 1973 U.S. National Book Award for Fiction with John Barth and Chimera, the first time the award was split.
Alex's Section:
Augustus is an epistolary, historical fiction by John Williams published by Viking Press in 1972. It tells the story of Augustus, emperor of Rome, from his youth through old age.[1] The book is divided into two parts, the beginning chronicling his ride to power, the latter describing his rule thereafter, and the familial problems faced choosing a successor.[1] Williams and Augustus shared the 1973 U.S. National Book Award for Fiction with John Barth and Chimera, the first time the award was split, and the only of William's four novels to receive significant acclaim within his lifetime.[2]
Plot
editBorn Gaius Octavius Thurinus, the young future-emperor was adopted by his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, after demonstrating significant yet promising wit and skill. After his great-uncle's assassination, Augustus (at this time known as Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus) took vengeance upon Caesar's murderers, and through tactical political moves, became one of Rome's three “triumvirs" alongside Marc Antony and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. After defeating the other two triumvirs, and obtaining sole power over the Roman State, Augustus (known as "Imperator" Caesar Divi Filius), began taking measures to secure and increase his power. As a result, Augustus gave orders to exterminate Cleopatra's teenage son, allegedly commenting that, "too many Caesars is no good thing." (As it was the common belief that her son was of Julius Caesar's bloodline.) In light of such orders, Cleopatra and Marc Antony--lovers at the time--committed suicide.[2]
The later part of the novel focuses more on Augustus' rule. It details his official renaming by the Roman Senate (augustus: one to be revered), his contention with and banishment of his daughter, Julia for her various extra-marital affairs, as well as closes with a final note from (the fictional) Augustus himself.
Style
editThe book is written as an epistolary, formed as a conjunction of various letters, and other documents, created by Williams himself. The book itself is divided into two parts: the first, focusing on his rise to political power, and success among the Roman people; the second, honing in on his personal life, detailing familial conflicts and issues choosing a successor.[1] William's writing style has been described as even-tempered and collected, and often remarked upon as plain and straightforward.[3] In addition, various scholars have commented on William's stylistic choice and organization: only having Augustus' voice heard at the very end of the novel.[2][3]
Abi's Section
editMajor Themes
editThe major theme Augustus addresses is the ability of circumstances to change the personality and behavior of a person.[4] The conditions that surrounded Augustus' rise to power plagued Ancient Rome with violence and contention, which led to Augustus working hard to implement a time of peace and cooperation in Rome, commonly referred to as the Pax Romana or the Pax Augusta. Other themes Williams writes on in his novel include coming of age and the difference between restraint and resignation.
Background
editAugustus is the last work Williams published before his death in 1994. Though Augustus garnered little public recognition while Williams was alive, the critical reception of the work was generally positive. Augustus is different from William's other works in that it is his only piece in which the main character does not share his last name.[3] In addition, it is his first novel that takes place outside of the United States.[2]
Critical Reception
editAugustus was received with general positivity from critics across the country. Augustus garnered so much critical respect that it won the National Book Award in 1973. Williams and Augustus shared the 1973 U.S. National Book Award for Fiction with John Barth andChimera, the first time the award was split.[5][6] The National Book Foundation essay on Williams and Augustus includes Harold Augenbraum's discussion of the split award. The New York Times story title refers to the fact that awards in two categories were split, but this was also the first split of the Fiction award, as Augenbraum notes.
Both the LA Review of Books and the New York Review of books each offered positive criticism particularly about the fusion of biography and fiction in Augustus. Reviewer Daniel Mendelesohn of the LA Review of Books states "The life of the first emperor is an ideal vehicle for a historical novel: Augustus is a figure about whom we know at once a great deal and very little, and hence invites both description and invention".[2]
Homework 10/26/15
editLead section Alex
Plot: spoilers! Alex
Characters: "brief outlines" only; recommended to skip this section if characters can be introduced through plot summary Monica
Major Themes: considered the "most important" section; sources absolutely necessary Abi
Style: sources again absolutely necessary and lit critics/historian recommended Alex
Background: do include "the novel's writing and development" Abi
Publication History: this is where all the factual stuff we discussed for background goes (publication date, house, etc.); recommended to skip this section unless of some interest (could also go into the Info Box instead) Monica
Reception: requires sources and should focus on critical reception, putting public reception in its own subsection Abi
Adaptations: Monica
Footnotes/References: Alex
Hail Augustus? But wait, who was he?
-last work to be published by author
-only novel to gain significant acclaim during JW lifetime
-published in 1972
-characters: Nicolas of Damascus, Livia, Tiberius, Mark Anthony, Julius Caesar, Roman Senate
-(aug) adopted by Julius Caesar
-after JC's death, (aug) avenged his death, and became one of three military rules of Rome
-defeated other two generals
-referred to himself as "Imperator" after military term
-Roman senate decided to rename him something more honorific
-augustus (one to be revered)
-gave orders to kill Cleopatra's son, son of JC himself
-work of fiction
Book Review:
-first half about Aug and Isles of March (??)
-second half takes place in later years/end of life
-intended to be work of imagination; synthesis of history and fiction
-nothing flashy about williams writing, very plain
Thinker's Dictator:
-"Too many Caesars is not a good thing"
-only hear Aug voice in last section of book, after reading others' various opinions
-the story of Augustus is one of a war lord; many conflicting beliefs
-strategic manslaughter
-conflict between Augustus and Julia
-Julia exiled (why?)
http://www.womenintheancientworld.com/julia,%20daughter%20of%20augustus.htm (Julia exiled for adultery, having many paramores)
<link to Julius Caesar on our page>
References
edit- ^ a b Gray, John (29 August 2014). "The thinker's dictator: Emperor Augustus makes for Thrilling Fiction". Newstatesmen.com.
- ^ a b c d e Mendelsohn, Daniel; Brown, Peter; Mendelsohn, Daniel; McGahern, John Williams , John (2014-08-14). "Hail Augustus! But Who Was He?". The New York Review of Books. ISSN 0028-7504. Retrieved 2015-10-28.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c Boyle, Brendan (14 August 2014). "The Truths of History". Wall Street Journal. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 28 October 2015.
- ^ "John Williams: Augustus". The Mookse and the Gripes. Retrieved 2015-10-26.
- ^ "1973 National Book Awards Winners and Finalists, The National Book Foundation". www.nationalbook.org. Retrieved 2015-10-28.
- ^ Pace, Eric (1973-04-11). "2 Book Awards Split for First Time; 'Serengeti' Lion' Wins Other Judges Shocked 'Multitudinous Relationships' 'Worlds in Collision' 'Joys and Delights'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2015-10-28.