Quellenanalyse in Geschichte/Römer u. Germanen?

One more word for intention: here too, one usually has to pay attention to indirect references. What does the author write about, and what does he ignore? (Tacitus writes a lot about the rulers and politics, but rather little about people and everyday life. His intention is therefore above all to hand over the political history of the empire and to keep the rulers remembered)

Then, of course, who’s going well and getting praised? Who is criticised and negative? That tells you about the political attitude of the author and his prejudices. So when it comes to the Germans, you have to look carefully: are they positive, negative or neutral? Are certain clichés served?

The most accurate one can determine when it is called in the source itself. Some authors write in the foreword that they want to ” educate the youth to good customs” or similar. Or when talking about Cicero, sometimes the listeners are addressed directly.

If you do not find such direct references, you have to resort to indirect references: written annals are only accessible to people who can read and have access to books. This already limits the circle of addressees. Then language and style: does Tacitus pre-knowledge presuppose, he uses difficult subject words and subtle touches? Then he is aimed at a very exclusive audience. Or does he write in clear, simple words and explain backgrounds? The addressees are also students and lay people.