1. The scene takes place early in the movie, and it partly explains why Commodus hates the gladiator. Marcus, the old emperor, sends for his son Commodus to see him. Listen and answer the questions.
a What does Marcus tell Commodus about the future?
…………………………………………………………..
b Who is going to take over from Marcus when he dies, at least for a time?
…………………………………………………………..
c What does Marcus want to happen to Rome in the future? What does that mean?
…………………………………………………………..
d What does Commodus say that Marcus didn’t want?
…………………………………………………………..
e What would have been like the ‘sun on my heart for a thousand years’ for Commodus?
…………………………………………………………..
f Who has failed, according to Marcus?
…………………………………………………………..
g What is the one thing that Commodus says he wants?
…………………………………………………………..
h What do you think happens at the end of the scene?
…………………………………………………………..
2. Match the words (most of which come from Track 20) and the definitions.
a ambition
b butcher
c courage
d devotion
e fortitude
f justice
g resourcefulness
h smother
i temperance
j wisdom
1 desire to succeed
2 bravery when in danger
3 courage shown when you are in difficult situations
4 fairness in the way people are treated
5 intelligence gained through experience
6 ability to find ways of dealing with practical problems
7 love and loyalty that you show to someone
8 not drinking alcohol because of moral or religious beliefs
9 a verb which means to kill someone by putting something over their face to stop them breathing
10 a verb which means to kill someone, or a lot of people, in a cruel and violent way
3. Listen again.
Which of the qualities were on Marcus’ list?
Which are the qualities that Commodus says he has?
Answers
1
a Maximus
b Commodus and Maximus
c Marcus
2
a That he will not be the next emperor.
b Maximus.
c He wants Rome to be a republic – that is without an emperor or a monarch.
d He didn’t want him as his son.
e A kind word or a hug.
f Marcus says that he himself has failed as a father.
g His father to love him.
3
a 1 b 10 c 2 d 7 e 3 f 4 g 6 h 9 i 8 j 5
4
Marcus’ list: wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance
Commodus’ list: ambition, resourcefulness, courage, devotion
Audioscripts
MARCUS: Are you ready to do your duty for Rome?
COMMODUS [1]: Yes, Father.
MARCUS: You will not be emperor.
COMMODUS [2]: Which wiser, older man is to take my place?
MARCUS: My powers will pass to Maximus to hold in trust until the Senate is ready to rule once more. Rome is to be a Republic again.
COMMODUS: Maximus? [3]
MARCUS: My decision disappoints you?
COMMODUS: You wrote to me once, listing the four chief virtues – wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance. As I read the list, I knew I had none of them. But l have other virtues, Father – ambition, that can be a virtue when it drives us to excel; resourcefulness; courage, perhaps not on the battlefield but there are many forms of courage; devotion, to my family, to you. But none of my virtues were on your list. Even then, it was as if you didn’t want me for your son.
MARCUS [4]: Oh, Commodus, you go too far.
COMMODUS [5]: I searched the faces of the gods for ways to please you, to make you proud … One kind word, one full hug while you pressed me to your chest and held me tight, would have been like the sun on my heart for a thousand years … What is it in me you hate so much? All I ever wanted was to live up to you, Caesar, Father.
MARCUS: Commodus, (deep breath); your faults as a son, is my failure as a father.
COMMODUS: Father, I would butcher the whole world if you would only love me! [9] (crying)
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