How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Gladiator.
Quote #7
SENATOR GRACCHUS: Rome is the mob. Conjure magic for them and they'll be distracted. Take away their freedom, and still they'll roar. The beating heart of Rome is not the marble of the Senate, it's the sand of the Colosseum. He'll bring them death, and they will love him for it
Despite the fact that Rome's an empire, Senator Gracchus understands that the real source of political power is the "mob." Right now, Commodus has control of it, rendering the Senate's more benevolent intentions worthless.
Quote #8
COMMODUS: I think the time is almost right. I could announce the dissolution of the Senate at the celebration to honor our father.
Commodus wants total power, and he toys with the idea of ditching the Senate for good throughout the film. The irony, of course, is that Marcus Aurelius wanted to return power to the senate, and yet Commodus wants to dissolve it in honor of him.
Quote #9
SENATOR GRACCHUS: I will not trade one dictatorship for another
Gracchus is right to worry that Maximus will abuse the power he will gain by entering Rome with an army. However, he's so committed to the ideal of republican government, and he knows there are no other options. He has to make a leap of faith.