Of Great Place characters

Tacitus was a famous historian of ancient Rome whose writings are quoted by Bacon to illuminate the nature of rulers and leadership. His remarks reveal that power exposes a person's true character, making some worse and others better. He serves as a scholarly authority whose historical observations ground Bacon's arguments about high office and human nature. Tacitus symbolizes the hard, unvarnished truth about power and its effects on individuals.

Galba was a Roman emperor cited by Tacitus with the remark that he would have been a good ruler had he never ruled. Power did not strengthen his character but instead revealed his fundamental weaknesses and unfitness for high office. Bacon uses him as a cautionary example to demonstrate that authority is not suitable for everyone. Galba symbolizes the idea that some individuals are undone rather than elevated by power.

Vespasian was a Roman emperor who, according to Tacitus, became a better person after gaining power. His character grew stronger, calmer, and more responsible through the exercise of authority. Bacon uses him as a positive counterexample to Galba, illustrating that truly great individuals are elevated and refined by high office. Vespasian symbolizes the ideal leader who matures and improves through power.

Solomon was one of the wisest kings in the Bible, whose teachings on justice and honesty Bacon quotes to reinforce principles of good leadership. His declaration that showing partiality is not good underscores the dangers of favoritism, corruption, and injustice in positions of power. Bacon invokes him to establish a moral and scriptural foundation for ethical governance. Solomon symbolizes wisdom, justice, and moral integrity.

God appears in Bacon's essay through the Biblical reference to His satisfaction upon completing creation, declaring all things very good. Bacon uses this moment to argue that human work similarly achieves perfection only when carried out with good purpose and moral intent. The reference draws a parallel between divine creation and virtuous human endeavour. God symbolizes purity, righteousness, and the ultimate standard of doing good.