Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that the first thing about Catullus that may strike a modern reader is his frequent preoccupation with sex in general, and with obscenity in particular. The writer maintains that this is in stark contrast with his love poems about lesbians. Further, the writer points out that it has been said that Catullus sought in love not sexual transport but a deep human union which would last a whole lifetime.
From the Paper "On examination an argument can be made that these two facets were flip sides of the same coin, and together offer a complete and direct look into the mind and heart of Catullus. They reveal to us two honest, although contradictory, faces of the same man. Like all of us, Catullus encapsulates dark and light in one person. He is highly unusual in that he communicates both sides so directly and personally with his readers. It seems that the obscenity, along with the love and pain, has the same function: they achieve the direct and honest expression that Catullus clearly desired."
An analysis of the skillful and subversive use of traditional poetry styles, such as "Epic" by Catullus to focus on his more personal interest in human emotion.
847 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 0 sources, 2004, $ 30.95
Abstract The paper explains how and to what effect Catullus subverts existing genres of poetry to his own ends. Using the examples of his poems 63 and 64, it shows how the poet portrays the emotional states of Attis and Ariadne through devices such as prayers, speeches and narrative intrusion.
From the Paper "Catullus evokes much pathos in the poem, for different reasons in different sections. Aegeus' aforementioned farewell to Theseus evokes pathos in, for example, lines 219 to 220: "cui languida nondum lumina sunt nati cara saturata figura", a method Catullus uses to depict Aegeus as a pathetic old man. In Roman times and especially in the context of epic poetry, a young man going away to battle for the first time was a glorious rite of passage, and Aegeus, who should be a proud father, is actually a tearful, feeble and pitiable old man. Pathos also features in descriptions of the dazed, ditched Ariadne, such as "tum tremuli salis adversas procurrere in undas" (line 128)."
Abstract This paper first highlights the difference in purpose between the various authors: How Cicero is trying to besmirch Clodia's reputation, while Catullus and Propertius are working with a love object to some extent characterised for poetic purposes. The groundbreaking use of language in Catullus is discussed, as is the use of myth in both Propertius and Catullus. It also looks at how the speech of Cicero is a useful exponent of contemporary sexual mores and highbrow rhetoric.
From the Paper "The Roman authors Catullus, Propertius, and Cicero (in his pro Caelio oration) all produce literature which deals in an interesting way with women. This can be exhibited in different ways: for example, in his poems Catullus sees his Lesbia very much as a love object, since he often makes wild claims about his incredible love for her and his belief that they are married. Still, Sex is definitely involved in his poems about their relationship, but it seems he concentrated more on analysing their split than purely erotic poetry."
Abstract This three-page undergraduate paper compares and contrasts Catullus' anger toward Lesbia's infidelity in some of his poems with Medea's anger towards Jason's infidelity. The author quotes the poems of Catullus and the plays of Euripedes to support the paper's thesis.
