LPC: Overview

Image: a statue of the Roman poet CatullusLyric Poets: Catullus Overview

The last poet we will read is Gaius Valerius Catullus, most often referred to just by his cognomen. Catullus wrote lyric poetry, much like Horace, but his poetry is decidedly different in tone from Horace. Catullus was fully invested in the emotional, and especially the romantic side, of lyric poetry. His poems are filled with deep feelings, ranging from the early pangs of longing, to deep obsession, to scorn and hatred, to the acceptance of loss. Through it all, Catullus was imitating one of the great Greek lyricists, Sappho. He adored the works of Sappho so much that he gave his lover a name based on the island where she came from. The image to the right shows a statue of Catullus on the island of Sirmione.

 Download: Study Guide

Please download the Lyric Poets: Catullus 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. Unlike other modules, we will not have a handout containing a set of translated poems. Some poems will be covered, in translation, within the course. The entire corpus of Catullus' poems is available online, should you be interested in exploring, however, be warned: certain of Catullus' poems contain graphic language that may not be suitable for all readers.

Essential Questions

  1. Who was Catullus?
  2. What sort of poetry did Catullus write?
  3. How does Catullus compare with Ovid, Martial and Horace?

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