1. Considering the restrictions that were being protested, what class of Roman womenwas probably involved? How might the social class of these women affect the way themale leadership of Rome responded to the protests?2. What are Cato’s arguments for maintaining the ban on gold, purple cloth, andcarriages? Is he more concerned with the law itself or with the public protest by thewomen against it?3. If men are superior to women, as Cato argues, why is it necessary to have a law toenforce rules? Can you identify any ways in which Cato ironically argues that women areactually superior to men? Conversely, although Valerius supports the repeal of theOppian Law, does he paint a flattering picture of women?
