LPH: Overview

Image: a painting of the Roman poet HoraceLyric Poets: Horace Overview

The next poet we will read is Quintus Horatius Flaccus, otherwise known as Horace. Horace is the first of two Roman poets we will read whose poetry is considered lyric poetry. Just like the modern use of the word, a lyric poem was original supposed to be sung with accompaniment, though by the time the Romans took up the form, this was no longer necessary. Yet, many of the things we associate with modern song lyrics: love, loss, natural themes, etc. are all features of Roman lyric poetry. As we read the lyric poetry in the next two sections, keep in mind modern lyrics and how they have (or have not) been influenced by these ancient poets. Painting: Quintus Horatius Flaccus by Anton von Werner (unknown date; von Werner lived from 1843-1915).

 Download: Study Guide

Please download the Lyric Poets: Horace Study Guide Links to an external site.. The study guide follows the module in order and should be viewed at first as a note-taking document, then later, as a review file.

Essential Questions

  1. What is the supine?
  2. What are the uses for the supine?
  3. Who was Horace?
  4. What sort of poetry did Horace write?
  5. How does Horace compare with Ovid and Martial?

Key Terms

  1. Supine - a form of verbal noun with highly specialized uses
  2. Lyric Poetry - a type of poem originally written to be sung with accompaniment
  3. Ode - a specific type of lyric poem, utilizing a specific three part structure. Horace's poetry uses this format most often.

ALL RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.