Abstract
This thesis employs a close textual analysis to trace the rhetorical evolution of obscuritas, gravitas, and imitatio from Pagan to Christian stylistic principles. Every occurrence of these technically charged rhetorical terms was examined in books eight and ten of Quintilian’s de Institutio Oratoria and book four of Augustine’s de Doctrina Christiana. Through a close reading of these texts, it was discovered that Augustine adapted all three terms as part of the new Christian culture. Furthermore, these adaptations were largely caused by the Christianized redefinition of virtus. As a result of this thesis, we now better understand certain aspects of a critical point in rhetorical history as the art of rhetoric transitioned from Pagan to Christian use.