In Our Time Catullus
Jan 9, 2020
Gail Trimble, a Brown Fellow specializing in Classics, Simon Smith, a Reader in Creative Writing and translator of Catullus, and Maria Wyke, a Professor of Latin, delve into the audacious poetry of Catullus. They discuss his innovative expressions of love and betrayal through his muse, Lesbia, and how his explicit works were initially controversial. The conversation highlights Catullus's lasting influence on poets like Virgil and Petrarch, as well as the challenges of translating his emotionally rich, often scatological verses into modern contexts.
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Catullus's Persona
- Catullus's poetry, while passionate and personal, was designed for public consumption.
- His poetic persona doesn't necessarily reflect his true identity.
Turbulent Times Reflected in Poetry
- Catullus's era, the late Roman Republic, was politically turbulent, nearing Caesar's rise and civil war.
- Some believe his seemingly apolitical poetry subtly reflects anxieties about power consolidation in generals like Caesar.
Range of Catullus's Poetry
- Catullus's poetry covers diverse themes like love, politics, and friendship, with shifts in tone.
- Poem 11 exemplifies this, moving from Roman conquests to personal betrayal by Lesbia.