Monday, September 28, 2009

Poem 7

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?

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