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.
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