Our book group choice for January 2016 is I, Claudius by Robert Graves. From the Autobiography of Tiberius Claudius, Born 10 B.C., Murdered and Deified A.D. 54.
I, Claudius is a historical novel by Robert Graves, published in 1934. Written in the form of an autobiography of the Roman Emperor Claudius, it tells the history of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and the early years of the Roman Empire, from Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC to Caligula’s assassination in AD 41. Though the narrative is largely fictionalized, most of the events depicted are drawn from historical accounts of the same time period by the Roman historians Suetonius and Tacitus.
The novel begins with Claudius’s birth in 10 BC. He is the son of Drusus, a Roman general, and Antonia, the daughter of Mark Antony and Octavia. Claudius is a sickly child and is often mocked and ridiculed by his family. He is also rumored to be mentally handicapped, which further isolates him from his peers.
Despite his disabilities, Claudius is a keen observer of the world around him. He is fascinated by history and politics, and he begins to study under the tutelage of Athenodorus, a Stoic philosopher. Claudius also develops a talent for writing, and he begins to compose a history of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
In AD 37, the emperor Tiberius dies, and his great-nephew Caligula becomes emperor. Caligula is a cruel and capricious ruler, and he soon begins to purge his enemies. Claudius is spared, but he is forced to live in exile in the city of Ostia.
In AD 41, Caligula is assassinated by a group of conspirators, including Claudius’s nephew, Gemellus. Claudius is then proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian Guard. He is initially a weak and indecisive ruler, but he soon begins to assert his authority.
Claudius proves to be a capable and benevolent ruler. He reforms the Roman bureaucracy, expands the empire, and builds new roads and bridges. He also establishes the first public library in Rome.
Claudius’s reign is not without its challenges. He is faced with a number of rebellions, including one led by his own wife, Messalina. He also has to deal with the machinations of his freedmen, who are constantly plotting to gain power.
I, Claudius is a fascinating and engrossing novel that offers a unique glimpse into the Roman Empire at its height. It is a story of power, intrigue, and betrayal, but it is also a story of love, loss, and redemption.
The novel has been praised for its historical accuracy, its vivid characters, and its sharp wit. It has been adapted into a number of films and television series, including the award-winning BBC miniseries I, Claudius (1976).
Here are some additional details about the novel:
- The novel is written in the first person, from the perspective of Claudius. This gives the reader a unique insight into the mind of the emperor.
- The novel is full of historical detail. Graves drew on the works of Suetonius and Tacitus, as well as other historical sources, to create a realistic and accurate portrayal of the Roman Empire.
- The novel is also full of humor. Graves’s dry wit and sense of irony enliven the story and make it a pleasure to read.
Discussion Questions for I, Claudius
- Is Claudius a reliable narrator? Why or why not?
- Which government is better: the tyrannous empire of Livia and Tiberius or the idealized republic of Claudius and his father?
- Why does Graves choose to write the novel through Claudius’ eyes instead of as a third-person narrator? Do you agree with his decision?
- Is Livia an admirable character? Why or why not?
- How does I, Claudius differ from typical histories?
- Does Claudius survive to become emperor through Fate or through his own actions?
- What role does love play in the novel, if any?
- Why is Livia so desperate to become a goddess after her death? How is this significant to her characterization?
- How would the lives of those involved be different had Livia not married Augustus?
- Is Claudius the hero of the novel? Why or why not?