Final answer:
Augustine felt ashamed because societal expectations in ancient Rome dictated that men should not display weakness or emotions publicly, as exemplified by historical figures like Cicero and later discussed in Augustine's own writings, where he grapples with these norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Augustine, a prominent figure in history, felt very much ashamed due to the social constructs of shame that governed the emotions and behavior of Roman men. The pressures to conform to the ideals of Roman masculinity compelled men like Cicero and Augustine to feel disgrace when they could not meet the societal expectations of stoicism, particularly in the face of personal loss or emotional turmoil. In his Confessions, Augustine reflects on his life and struggles, including his shame in not wholly embodying the Roman virtues, which he later counters with his Christian faith providing alternative perspectives on human experiences and emotions.
Social concepts of shame were wielded to control the emotions of Roman men, suggesting that the public expression of grief was unfitting for their masculine identity. These societal pressures were a means of reinforcing certain behaviors among the Roman elite, promoting a sense of communal identity, and sustaining social hierarchies. References like the correspondence between Cicero and his friend Sulpicius, Augustine's writings, and other Roman literature illustrate how deeply these values were embedded in the culture and personal psychological makeup of Roman society.