Final answer:
Roman societal and cultural expectations enforced the control of emotions among men through the use of shame, with public reputation and honor being of considerable importance. Works like Cicero's 'Letters to his Friends' and Appian's 'The Punic Wars' illustrate the societal pressure on Roman men to conform to certain emotional expressions to maintain dignity and avoid public disgrace.
Step-by-step explanation:
The control of emotions in Roman men through the use of shame was deeply embedded in the societal and cultural expectations of the time. This psychological and social construct was a significant factor in the governance of personal behavior and the preservation of Roman values. Public reputation and honor were of paramount importance, and as seen in Cicero's correspondence and roman literature, improper conduct that could jeopardize one's standing or bring disgrace upon the family or community was greatly feared.
To avoid social ostracism and the contempt of their peers, Roman men often adhered to the collective norms and ideals, which included the expression and management of emotions in a manner deemed appropriate and dignified by society. Appian's 'The Punic Wars' and 'Letters to his Friends' by Cicero provide insight into how the eminent fear of shame could influence behavior and enforce conformity within the intricate social fabric of Rome.
These documents reveal that Roman men were discouraged from exhibiting excessive grief or other strong emotions that could be perceived as weaknesses or as a loss of self-control. The ability to bear personal loss stoically was admired, while succumbing to sorrow or despair could elicit censure and diminish one's social standing.