Ancient Romans

grandiose classical rhetorical

Ancient Romans function as a rhetorical device in White House speechwriting debates. Toby Ziegler invokes them to rebuke Will Bailey's draft of the inaugural address, which layers in sweeping classical history amid Khundu crisis tensions. Toby directs Will to banish 'ancient Romans' from prime speech positions, favoring terse realism over epic allusions. This reference cements their role as a punchy symbol of excess idealism, sharpening Toby's push for disciplined language that balances aspiration with political bite.

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Ancient Romans's Journey

A timeline through the narrative

1 moments

S4E15 · Inauguration Part II: Over There

Toby Reins In Will's Idealism

Not an actor; functions as a rhetorical foil to disciplined prose.

Invoked metaphorically by Toby ('ancient Romans') to mock grand historical flourishes in Will's draft and insist on restraint at the podium.

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