Final answer:
Despite societal expectations, Roman upper-class men could show love and affection towards their family due to personal values that sometimes overrode public behavior norms, as seen with Sulla's response to his wife's death. Explanation:
Men in upper-class Roman society were able to express affection towards their loved ones despite societal taboos because of a deeper personal value placed on those relationships, which could sometimes transcend the strict expectations of public behavior. An example is the case of Sulla, an Augur, who had to send his wife a bill of divorce because of his religious obligations but later displayed his love and affection for her through an extravagant funeral and banquets. This was an act that defied his own law limiting funeral expenses, indicating that personal feelings could override legal and social norms. Furthermore, Roman politics and the structure of the Roman family, particularly under the moral legislation enacted by Emperor Augustus, reflect the ways in which personal and state interests could intersect, often with a focus on demonstrating moral behavior publicly, yet with private transgressions occurring.
Additionally, the Roman concepts of virtus and pudicitia influenced how affection was displayed, with personal desires often conflicting with social expectations.