Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics Catullus
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Aug 19, 2025 Dive into the tumultuous world of Catullus, the Roman poet who embodies teenage angst. Feel his intense emotions as he grapples with love, heartbreak, and the absurdities of life. Discover the intricate poetic meters he used to express his feelings, blending Greek and Latin traditions. His sharp witticisms and satirical jabs at figures like Julius Caesar showcase his fearless voice. Unpack the rich imagery and complex emotions in his work, revealing how his legacy continues to resonate centuries later.
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Lesbia: Passion, Play, And Protective Counting
- His relationship with Lesbia (likely Clodia) produced poems mixing erotic passion with playful craft and superstition.
- He manipulates numbers and imagery to prevent precise counting of kisses and to guard against ill-wishers.
The Sparrow That Made A Poet Grieve
- The famous sparrow poems show Catullus grieving Lesbia's pet, which may be literal or symbolic of their passion.
- He uses the bird's death to curse the underworld and convey mutual loss and desire.
Greek Forms Reworked Into Latin Genius
- Catullus adapts Greek meters and poets, notably Sappho, into Latin with sophisticated metrical variety.
- He both honors and subverts Greek forms to heighten emotional and rhetorical effect.
