Poem seven is the first poem in which Catullus emotionally and physically connects to Lesbia. Here, it is through the kisses they share. Though the tone is questionable, whether Lesbia is annoyed and frustrated with how many kisses Catullus desires, or the lovey-dovey tone, which is more likely, Catullus speaks of kisses: the connotation behind them cannot be misunderstood.
Catullus's deep admiration and care for Lesbia is demonstrated by the two metaphors he utilizes in the beginning of the poem. He compares the number of kisses it takes to satisfy him, to the number of grains of Libyan sand. Furthermore, Catullus compares the amount of kisses he wants to the number of stars in a clear, quiet night.
Once again, Catullus's poem takes a drastic turn near the end, as we have seen previously. He says "kisses, which neither curious eyes shasll count up nor an evil tongue bewitch." As we have guessed, the relationship between him and Lesbia is, most likely, a secret. Perhaps it is because of Lesbia's oblivious, mule-ish husband. Or, since there is a recurring them of jealousy in Catullus's poems, his sacred relationship must remain a secret, because others are jealous?
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Poem 83
Poem eighty-three gives deep insight into Catullus's thoughts and feelings, about his relationship with Lesbia. I previously believed Catullus was deeply wounded and hurt, by the fact that he was not able to be with Lesbia, or the fact that she did not love him; however, this poem proves my belief to be false. Catullus actually seems a bit arrogant, or down-right cocky, if I may. He is so sure that Lesbia's criticisms and put-downs of him are just a mask for the intense, burning passion she feels for him. Catullus is so sure of himself, that he proceeds to call Lesbia's husband, who must be a rather good-looking guy, a mule, because he is so oblivious to the love she feels for Catullus.
Though I do believe Catullus is a little too sure of himself, because he thinks Lesbia is completely in love with him, there is some reason behind his mad, logic. This can best be explained through Robert Frost's poem, "Fire and Ice." In the poem, as I interpret it, Frost is comparing the difference between love, and its opposite, which is not hate, but indifference. Having strong feelings/passion (fire) can be considered very demeaning, but being indifferent, with no feeling whatsoever (ice) is much worse. Therefore, through Frost's poem, Catullus has reason to believe that since Lesbia's words are filled with so much passion and care, she has feelings for Catullus.
Another point I'd like to make, is that since Catullus's poem can be compared to the more modern Robert Frost's, it adds onto its timeless value, as it appeals to audiences from different time periods.
Though I do believe Catullus is a little too sure of himself, because he thinks Lesbia is completely in love with him, there is some reason behind his mad, logic. This can best be explained through Robert Frost's poem, "Fire and Ice." In the poem, as I interpret it, Frost is comparing the difference between love, and its opposite, which is not hate, but indifference. Having strong feelings/passion (fire) can be considered very demeaning, but being indifferent, with no feeling whatsoever (ice) is much worse. Therefore, through Frost's poem, Catullus has reason to believe that since Lesbia's words are filled with so much passion and care, she has feelings for Catullus.
Another point I'd like to make, is that since Catullus's poem can be compared to the more modern Robert Frost's, it adds onto its timeless value, as it appeals to audiences from different time periods.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Poem 109
In Poem 109, Catullus's tone takes a drastic change. Instead of referring to Lesbia with great longing and desire, he refers to her as if she is his partner in a friendship. In the last couplet, Catullus speaks of this eternal contract of sacred friendship. Of course, without friendship, a meaningful, passionate love is not possible. But, why, all of a sudden is Catullus leaning toward a more platonic relationship, though he refers to her as "his life" in the first line.
Another important revelation occurs, in the first couplet where Catullus identifies that Lesbia acknowledges his existence, and more so, mutually cares about him. Lesbia promises that the love between her and Catullus will last forever, when previously, she went from not even acknowledging him, to 'talkin smack' about him. What about her husband, who we know is so oblivious, like a mule? Does Lesbia feel no guilt at all toward him? Though she has not literally "cheated" on her husband yet, per say, the supposed feelings she has toward Catullus should create some guilt on her behalf.
Another important revelation occurs, in the first couplet where Catullus identifies that Lesbia acknowledges his existence, and more so, mutually cares about him. Lesbia promises that the love between her and Catullus will last forever, when previously, she went from not even acknowledging him, to 'talkin smack' about him. What about her husband, who we know is so oblivious, like a mule? Does Lesbia feel no guilt at all toward him? Though she has not literally "cheated" on her husband yet, per say, the supposed feelings she has toward Catullus should create some guilt on her behalf.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Poem II
In this poem, Catullus utilizes the sparrow as a metaphor for the unpredictable events and experiences associated with love. Catullus relates the sparrow, which is able to bite and create a little bit of a sting, is also beautiful and playful on the outside, to the journey love is composed of. At times it can be full of happiness and pleasure, but at the drop of a hat, it can turn around and sting you, emotionally. Just as most people desire animals as pets, to fill voids in their empty lives, people strive for love, to help themselves feel complete.
Furthermore, the end of the poem, refers to the enjoyable times due to a relationship of love. Being careless and free, all emotional pain can be deserted or relieved when one is in love. But as Catullus carefully selects his words, he uses the word "play" to explain what the woman does with the sparrow. Once one "plays" with love, emotions, and relationships, someone will, inevitably, be affected, usually hurt. As Catullus also made a point to mention, one looks to be carefree and happy in a relationship, to forget the many other emotional burdens endured. In another light, one in a relationship, would look to be carefree and refrain from becoming too attached, in the fear of getting hurt.
Furthermore, the end of the poem, refers to the enjoyable times due to a relationship of love. Being careless and free, all emotional pain can be deserted or relieved when one is in love. But as Catullus carefully selects his words, he uses the word "play" to explain what the woman does with the sparrow. Once one "plays" with love, emotions, and relationships, someone will, inevitably, be affected, usually hurt. As Catullus also made a point to mention, one looks to be carefree and happy in a relationship, to forget the many other emotional burdens endured. In another light, one in a relationship, would look to be carefree and refrain from becoming too attached, in the fear of getting hurt.
Poem 51
As we have discussed in class, Catullus's 52nd poem is mainly composed of his descriptions of a woman he has feelings for. Even though Catullus is not able to be close to the woman, emotionally, he envies a man that is capable of simply sitting with her. He declares that man a God, or one that may even surpass the Gods, if it possible; though all he is doing is sitting across from her, watching her laugh and listening to her speak.
The central theme of this poem, I believe, is the purity and innocence of true love. Catullus deeply desires to win the affection of the woman, but he speaks of another man. He loves this woman, though she is with another man; however, suprisingly the tone of Catullus never comes off as extremely bitter. He is able to demonstrate that if you truly, passionately love someone, though it may hurt you, you can endure them being with another. The tone of the poem is mainly just passionate, jealous, and lovestruck, but in the last stanza, there is somewhat of a drastic change. It seems as if Catullus is brought back to reality, recognizing the fact that his love belongs to another man.
The central theme of this poem, I believe, is the purity and innocence of true love. Catullus deeply desires to win the affection of the woman, but he speaks of another man. He loves this woman, though she is with another man; however, suprisingly the tone of Catullus never comes off as extremely bitter. He is able to demonstrate that if you truly, passionately love someone, though it may hurt you, you can endure them being with another. The tone of the poem is mainly just passionate, jealous, and lovestruck, but in the last stanza, there is somewhat of a drastic change. It seems as if Catullus is brought back to reality, recognizing the fact that his love belongs to another man.
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