Research Paper on:
The Twelve Caesars by Michael Grant

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
the average reader. It is essential to also look beyond the authors obvious intention with regard to the storys overall meaning so as not to miss the grand but  elusive subtleties. To be sure, Suetonius writing incorporated a significant amount of blatancy while also implying considerable obscurity, a dichotomy that has served to be the cornerstone of the  authors works, which have successfully stood the test of time. Without question, The Twelve Caesars provides a unique insight into the relationships that exist between and among various gender/cultural  restrictions as they existed in ancient society. "So there is nothing new about biographies [like The Twelve Caesars] that portray the bad or disreputable along with the good.  Outrageous conduct might incur punishment somewhere down the line, but that was an important part of the story. Men could lead mighty armies, forge tribes into nations and still  behave like swine..."(Gray 73). Analyzing the plight of the poor masses, women and other marginalized groups in Roman society within the literary boundaries  of Michael Grants version of Suetonius The Twelve Caesars requires one to consider the concepts of patriarchy and elitism. Throughout history, patriarchy has been responsible for designing womens role  in Roman society; many of these devices used in earlier centuries were related to religion. Certain scripture regularly challenged women to disprove that they were inferior-to not agree was  heresy. When religion did not work alone, scientific theory was included as a factor in the equation that supported the ideal that women are inferior. Based upon a  conviction of inferiority, Suetonius implies that male authorities were then able to design lifestyles for women, including approved activities, mannerism, education, sexuality and religious pursuits. "Though not a senator