The blood and gore in Pyramus and Thisbe, as bloody and gore-ifying as it may be, is completely necessary to Ovid' s story.
The place where the gore becomes most necessary is in the change of the color of the mulberries. This change is caused by the pulsing of the blood high into the air, and the change of the berries causes Thisbe to become confused. (arborei fetūs... pomi color) This change of the color of the mulberry is the change that takes place in the all of Ovid's stories in his Metamorphoses. Without the blood and gore described in the story, this change would not have been able to occur because it would not have made sense.
These sometimes disturbing images are also necessary to help set the tone of this part of the story. At first, the story is light and sweet; the story of two young lovers trying to make their love a reality. But now, the tone of the story has changed to be dark and serious. The description of all of the blood and gore (i.e. "dum dubitat, tremebunda videt pulsare cruentum membra solum") helps to reset the tone of the story. Without this new tone, the serious nature of the story that Ovid is trying to convey would simply not exist.
Overall, I find Ovid's use of the dramatic gore helps to drive home the mood of Pyramus and Thisbe, and also helps the reader to understand the change taking place with the mulberry tree. As disturbing as it may be, without the blood and gore, Pyramus and Thisbe would not be the story of change that it is.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
A Blog on Onomatopoeia!? Eek!
Oh, onomatopoeia...what a rhetorical device. A word that imitates a sound, things like "achoo" and "eek." And it is this rhetorical device that Ovid uses in line 83 of Pyramus and Thisbe.
"...ad solitum coiere locum. Tum, murmure parvo..."
First, notice the alliteration with the M's. (solitum, locum, tum, murmure) Now, pay attention to one word: murmure. Pyramus and Thisbe are MURMURING!!!!!! The use of the M's in line 83 help us to "hear" the soft murmur the two share on opposite sides of the wall. Here, the use of other soft sounds such as the S in solitum and the C's in coiere and locum also help to convey this image of soft, loving murmurs between Pyramus and Thisbe.
This is a wonderful example of how Ovid uses rhetorical devices in his work to help convey the story. By using the onomatopoeia in line 83, we get a more vivid picture of the two lovers. It helps us not only to see what is going on, but hear it as well. The soft sounds of M's, S's and C's imitate the soft sounds created when Pyramus and Thisbe are talking quietly, whispering, murmuring, to each other through the crack in the wall. And it is this imagery that helps to make Ovid's Pyramus and Thisbe such a wonderfully vivid work.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Now That I Have Power and Internet, I Can Blog About Catullus!
I am happy to say that the power is on and the internet is back because it means that I can blog about my favorite person....CATULLUS!!!!!!!
Catullus 101 is, strangely, a poem NOT written about Lesbia. Instead, the poem is addressed to Catullus's now deceased brother. The poem may be about a different person, but it really isn't all that different.
The first thing that is still kept in Catullus 101 is his ability to balance the lines. For example, he writes "atque in perpetuum, frater, ave atque vale," where he both praises his brother, and says his goodbyes. This simple balance is similar to that found in Catullus 85, where he writes "Odi et amo." Another quick point, if comparing these two examples of balance specifically: they are both rather powerful statements used at powerful moments in the poem. Catullus 85 is started with "Odi et amo," while Catullus 101 is ended with "ave atque vale." Just something I noticed....
Catullus also continues his uses of repetition in this poem. We have seen him use this many times in order to emphasize his point, and once again, Catullus has not failed us. Here he writes "Quandoquidem fortuna mihi tete abstulit ipsum, heu miser indigne frater adempte mihi," where he uses both abstulit and adempte to emphasize that is brother is gone, and he feels as though his bother has not simply died, but has been taken away from him. This use of repetition is similar to that of Catullus 5, where Catullus uses the repetition of deinde with basia to illustrate his excessive love for Lesbia. (Da mi basia mille, deinde centum, dein mille altera, dein secunda centum, deinde usque altera mille, deinde centum.)
Another very small connection lies in the use of one word: miser. Catullus uses this word often in his poems, including in Poem 101. He writes "advenio has miseras, frater..." Other uses of miser can be found in Poem 51 ("misero quod omnis eripit sensus mihi") and in Poem 8 ("Miser Catulle..."). A small connection, but an interesting one.
I leave you with the last, and rather obvious, connection between Catullus 101 and many of his poems concerning Lesbia: elegiac couplet. Poems 70, 72, 73, 75, 83, 85, 86, and 87 are all Lesbia poems written in elegiac couplet. And maybe I'm reading into this a bit, but stick with me for a second....
Poems such as Catullus 5 and Catullus 51, are not written in elegiac couplet. While these poems do focus on Lesbia, focusing on the immense love that Catullus has for his woman, they are not as forceful with Catullus's message as those written in elegiac couplet. The poems such as Catullus 70 and 72, are a little harsher, a little more direct. These poems are ones that really explore the struggle Catullus has in his attempt to somehow let go of Lesbia. And here, in Poem 101, he is struggling to let go of his brother. And while the poem is certainly not harsh, it is direct; never once does he skate around the fact that his brother is dead. He meaning is clear and forceful in this poem, and the tone is serious and dark, much like the Lesbia poems written in the same meter. To me, it seems as though Catullus used elegiac couplet as a way of expressing those emotions which hurt him the most.
Catullus 101 is, strangely, a poem NOT written about Lesbia. Instead, the poem is addressed to Catullus's now deceased brother. The poem may be about a different person, but it really isn't all that different.
The first thing that is still kept in Catullus 101 is his ability to balance the lines. For example, he writes "atque in perpetuum, frater, ave atque vale," where he both praises his brother, and says his goodbyes. This simple balance is similar to that found in Catullus 85, where he writes "Odi et amo." Another quick point, if comparing these two examples of balance specifically: they are both rather powerful statements used at powerful moments in the poem. Catullus 85 is started with "Odi et amo," while Catullus 101 is ended with "ave atque vale." Just something I noticed....
Catullus also continues his uses of repetition in this poem. We have seen him use this many times in order to emphasize his point, and once again, Catullus has not failed us. Here he writes "Quandoquidem fortuna mihi tete abstulit ipsum, heu miser indigne frater adempte mihi," where he uses both abstulit and adempte to emphasize that is brother is gone, and he feels as though his bother has not simply died, but has been taken away from him. This use of repetition is similar to that of Catullus 5, where Catullus uses the repetition of deinde with basia to illustrate his excessive love for Lesbia. (Da mi basia mille, deinde centum, dein mille altera, dein secunda centum, deinde usque altera mille, deinde centum.)
Another very small connection lies in the use of one word: miser. Catullus uses this word often in his poems, including in Poem 101. He writes "advenio has miseras, frater..." Other uses of miser can be found in Poem 51 ("misero quod omnis eripit sensus mihi") and in Poem 8 ("Miser Catulle..."). A small connection, but an interesting one.
I leave you with the last, and rather obvious, connection between Catullus 101 and many of his poems concerning Lesbia: elegiac couplet. Poems 70, 72, 73, 75, 83, 85, 86, and 87 are all Lesbia poems written in elegiac couplet. And maybe I'm reading into this a bit, but stick with me for a second....
Poems such as Catullus 5 and Catullus 51, are not written in elegiac couplet. While these poems do focus on Lesbia, focusing on the immense love that Catullus has for his woman, they are not as forceful with Catullus's message as those written in elegiac couplet. The poems such as Catullus 70 and 72, are a little harsher, a little more direct. These poems are ones that really explore the struggle Catullus has in his attempt to somehow let go of Lesbia. And here, in Poem 101, he is struggling to let go of his brother. And while the poem is certainly not harsh, it is direct; never once does he skate around the fact that his brother is dead. He meaning is clear and forceful in this poem, and the tone is serious and dark, much like the Lesbia poems written in the same meter. To me, it seems as though Catullus used elegiac couplet as a way of expressing those emotions which hurt him the most.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Catullus, Catullus, Catullus, You Repeat As Often As the Sun Sets and Rises
Our good friend Catullus likes to use repetition and hyperbole as tools to get his point across in his work. In Poem 5, for example, he uses hyperbole when talking about the 3300 kisses he wants to share with Lesbia ("Da mi basia mille, deinde centum" etc.) He uses this to creatively and poetically explain that he simply wants to share romantic moments with his wonderful Lesbia.
Catullus also uses hyperbole in Poem 8 when he states "Iam Catullus obdurat." Really Catullus, really? This is one of the most exaggerated examples of hyperbole Catullus writes. He is not strong, he has never been strong. (This is made clear by the questions at the end of this poem, when he starts to realize that since Lesbia has left him, she will become someone elses.) He does this to make it seem like he is getting over Lesbia, and moving past all of their "relationship issues."
Poems 43 and 51 both show examples of repetition. In poem 43, Catullus repeats "nec" when describing the girl who is not nearly as beautiful as Lesbia. ("nec minimo puella naso, nec bello pede nec nigris ocellis" etc.) Then, in Poem 51, at the end Catullus repeats forms of otium, or leisure. ("Otium Catulle...otio exsultas...otium et reges.") Repetition is used in both of these poems as a way to show the extent to which the woman is not beautiful and the extent to which leisure will potentially destroy Catullus.
Catullus uses gods in Poems 70 and 72 for his moments of hyperbole. In Poem 70, he says "non si se Iuppiter ipse petat" and then in Poem 72 declares "Lesbia, nec prae me velle tenere Iovem." In both of these cases, Catullus uses the hyperbole to describe the immense love Lesbia has/had for him.
Poems 75 and 83 both have non-literal forms of repetition. In Poem 75, Catullus shows repetition in using two conditional clauses in subsequent lines. ("si optima fias...omina si facias.") Poem 83 exhibits repetition in using numerous words with meanings like speaking, snarling, about to speak, etc. ("dicit...taceret...gammit...obloquitur...loquitur.") These non-literal forms of repetition still help Catullus get his point across without using the exact same words.
Finally, one of my favorite uses of hyperbole is from poem 85. This is found in the simple word "Nescio" in Line 2. Like Catullus doesn't know why he loves and hates Lesbia at the same time! This is such an exaggeration, since it is pretty clear that he understands that being in love with Lesbia causes him to have these massive emotional conflicts. Catullus is one dramatic man.
These examples are effective because they add drama to the poems. The examples of repetition are catchy, and create a sort of rhythm outside of the meter that helps the poem to be read in a more pleasing manner. The examples of hyperbole are so over-dramatic that many times they are simply silly. These two factors are attention-grabbing, and really pull at the reader, keeping them reading on. They come together to make the poems memorable and interesting, which means that readers will spend the time to analyze the poems and really take a look at what Catullus is trying to say. And isn't that the goal of poetry?
Catullus also uses hyperbole in Poem 8 when he states "Iam Catullus obdurat." Really Catullus, really? This is one of the most exaggerated examples of hyperbole Catullus writes. He is not strong, he has never been strong. (This is made clear by the questions at the end of this poem, when he starts to realize that since Lesbia has left him, she will become someone elses.) He does this to make it seem like he is getting over Lesbia, and moving past all of their "relationship issues."
Poems 43 and 51 both show examples of repetition. In poem 43, Catullus repeats "nec" when describing the girl who is not nearly as beautiful as Lesbia. ("nec minimo puella naso, nec bello pede nec nigris ocellis" etc.) Then, in Poem 51, at the end Catullus repeats forms of otium, or leisure. ("Otium Catulle...otio exsultas...otium et reges.") Repetition is used in both of these poems as a way to show the extent to which the woman is not beautiful and the extent to which leisure will potentially destroy Catullus.
Catullus uses gods in Poems 70 and 72 for his moments of hyperbole. In Poem 70, he says "non si se Iuppiter ipse petat" and then in Poem 72 declares "Lesbia, nec prae me velle tenere Iovem." In both of these cases, Catullus uses the hyperbole to describe the immense love Lesbia has/had for him.
Poems 75 and 83 both have non-literal forms of repetition. In Poem 75, Catullus shows repetition in using two conditional clauses in subsequent lines. ("si optima fias...omina si facias.") Poem 83 exhibits repetition in using numerous words with meanings like speaking, snarling, about to speak, etc. ("dicit...taceret...gammit...obloquitur...loquitur.") These non-literal forms of repetition still help Catullus get his point across without using the exact same words.
Finally, one of my favorite uses of hyperbole is from poem 85. This is found in the simple word "Nescio" in Line 2. Like Catullus doesn't know why he loves and hates Lesbia at the same time! This is such an exaggeration, since it is pretty clear that he understands that being in love with Lesbia causes him to have these massive emotional conflicts. Catullus is one dramatic man.
These examples are effective because they add drama to the poems. The examples of repetition are catchy, and create a sort of rhythm outside of the meter that helps the poem to be read in a more pleasing manner. The examples of hyperbole are so over-dramatic that many times they are simply silly. These two factors are attention-grabbing, and really pull at the reader, keeping them reading on. They come together to make the poems memorable and interesting, which means that readers will spend the time to analyze the poems and really take a look at what Catullus is trying to say. And isn't that the goal of poetry?
Friday, October 7, 2011
Miserable Catullus, Be Strong
Miserable Catullus, Be Strong
Miser Catulle
amās puellam tamen.
Catulle obdura.
Miserable Catullus
You love the girl still.
Be strong Catullus.
Miserable Catullus
You love the girl still.
Be strong Catullus.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Haiku To You Too, Catullus
My first piece, Kiss Me, is based on Catullus 5:
Kiss me Lesbia
Kiss me again and again
For our suns may set
My next piece, Thoughts of a Foolish Catullus, finds its basis in Catullus 72:
I respected you
But now I know you better
Now you mean much less
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Lesbia, I Love You....Until I Write Poem 8
The four Catullus poems that we have translated so far, 5, 8, 43, 51, are not in numerical order. They can, however, be placed in order (when you figure out what the heck Catullus is talking about).
The first poem would have to be Poem 51. Here, Catullus is lusting over Lesbia, saying "Lesbia, aspexi, vocis in ore, lingua sed torpet, tenuis sub artis, flamma demanat, sonitu suopte tintinant aures, gemina teguntur lumina nocte." Clearly, Catullus is infatuated. But, we know that they are not a couple, since he admits his jealously of the man sitting across from Lesbia. "Ille mi par esse deo videtur, ille, si fas est, superare divos, qui sedens adversus identidem te spectat et audit dulce ridentem." In case you couldn't tell, Catullus totally wants Lesbia.
The next poem in the sequence would appear to be Poem 43, where Catullus is wondering why a women, who apparently is not all that attractive, would be compared to Lesbia. At, this point, Catullus and Lesbia appear to be together, as he refers to her as "Lesbia nostra" but it has not progressed to the point where he cannot look at other women. (After seeing this woman, he might have changed that behavior.)
Poem 5 is next; Catullus and Lesbia are a couple at this point. (I wonder what their couple name was....Catullbia or Lesullus. Personally I like Catullbia.) He makes it clear that he wants to be with her forever. "Vivamus, mea Lesbia, atque amemus" he says. Then later he talks about the death that all must face. "Soles occidere et redire possunt; nobis cum semel occidit brevis lux, nox est perpetua una dormienda." Although its a bit depressing, Catullus is just tying to tell Lesbia that she better hurry up with those 3300 kisses since one day they'll die.
Last, but certainly not least, is Poem 8. Catullus is now upset because he and his love have gone separate ways. (I get a feeling it was her, not him.) He remembers the time they spent together. "Fulsere quondam candidi tibi soles, cum ventitabas quo puella ducebat amata nobis quantum amabitur nulla; ibi illa multa cum iocosa fiebant, quae tu volebas nec puella nolebat, fulsere vere candidi tibi soles." So, the suns no longer shine for poor Catullus. But there is good news....Catullus finally admits that he's a fool!
The first poem would have to be Poem 51. Here, Catullus is lusting over Lesbia, saying "Lesbia, aspexi, vocis in ore, lingua sed torpet, tenuis sub artis, flamma demanat, sonitu suopte tintinant aures, gemina teguntur lumina nocte." Clearly, Catullus is infatuated. But, we know that they are not a couple, since he admits his jealously of the man sitting across from Lesbia. "Ille mi par esse deo videtur, ille, si fas est, superare divos, qui sedens adversus identidem te spectat et audit dulce ridentem." In case you couldn't tell, Catullus totally wants Lesbia.
The next poem in the sequence would appear to be Poem 43, where Catullus is wondering why a women, who apparently is not all that attractive, would be compared to Lesbia. At, this point, Catullus and Lesbia appear to be together, as he refers to her as "Lesbia nostra" but it has not progressed to the point where he cannot look at other women. (After seeing this woman, he might have changed that behavior.)
Poem 5 is next; Catullus and Lesbia are a couple at this point. (I wonder what their couple name was....Catullbia or Lesullus. Personally I like Catullbia.) He makes it clear that he wants to be with her forever. "Vivamus, mea Lesbia, atque amemus" he says. Then later he talks about the death that all must face. "Soles occidere et redire possunt; nobis cum semel occidit brevis lux, nox est perpetua una dormienda." Although its a bit depressing, Catullus is just tying to tell Lesbia that she better hurry up with those 3300 kisses since one day they'll die.
Last, but certainly not least, is Poem 8. Catullus is now upset because he and his love have gone separate ways. (I get a feeling it was her, not him.) He remembers the time they spent together. "Fulsere quondam candidi tibi soles, cum ventitabas quo puella ducebat amata nobis quantum amabitur nulla; ibi illa multa cum iocosa fiebant, quae tu volebas nec puella nolebat, fulsere vere candidi tibi soles." So, the suns no longer shine for poor Catullus. But there is good news....Catullus finally admits that he's a fool!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Catullus, You Fool! Your Emotions Are in the Way!
In Catullus VIII, Catullus struggles with his conflict between his heart and his mind. He simply is not able to decide whether to end his affair, or to continue chasing after Lesbia. I must agree with Catullus, he needs to stop being a fool.
At first, Catullus's will seems to overpower his emotions."tu quoque impotens noli, nec quae fugit sectare, nec miser vive, sed obstinata mente perfer, obdura." he says. He tells himself what he must do to get over Lesbia and even finishes out by wishing her well (Vale, puella.). He calls her wicked and starts shooting harsh questions her way. But then the tone changes, and Catullus starts to question what he will be missing and who Lesbia will now belong to. "Quem nunc amabis? Cuius esse diceris? Quem basiabis? Cui labella mordebis?" Catullus starts to see just what he will be losing, and I believe that he will not be able to let her go.
Ultimately, the questions flooding through Catullus's mind are what prevent him from ending the affair. He is afraid of losing Lesbia (and from the way he made her sound in Poem V, he should not want that woman to leave!). He wants to be strong, to be able to let her go. The problem is that Catullus is enamored; he is in love and does not want to lose that love. The fear that Lesbia will belong to someone else seems to terrify this man, and personally, I think he'll go and chase her down.
At first, Catullus's will seems to overpower his emotions."tu quoque impotens noli, nec quae fugit sectare, nec miser vive, sed obstinata mente perfer, obdura." he says. He tells himself what he must do to get over Lesbia and even finishes out by wishing her well (Vale, puella.). He calls her wicked and starts shooting harsh questions her way. But then the tone changes, and Catullus starts to question what he will be missing and who Lesbia will now belong to. "Quem nunc amabis? Cuius esse diceris? Quem basiabis? Cui labella mordebis?" Catullus starts to see just what he will be losing, and I believe that he will not be able to let her go.
Ultimately, the questions flooding through Catullus's mind are what prevent him from ending the affair. He is afraid of losing Lesbia (and from the way he made her sound in Poem V, he should not want that woman to leave!). He wants to be strong, to be able to let her go. The problem is that Catullus is enamored; he is in love and does not want to lose that love. The fear that Lesbia will belong to someone else seems to terrify this man, and personally, I think he'll go and chase her down.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Catullus and Lesbia: Best Kept Secret??
When we translated Catullus V, the first thought that came to mind was that the relationship Catullus was describing was a forbidden one. He and Lesbia had to keep everything a secret, and yet try to love one another now,despite what others may think, for tomorrow may never come. This reminded me of a little song...
http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/bareapopopera/bestkeptsecret.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZQ156qWlrI
The song is called "Best Kept Secret" from the musical "Bare: A Pop Opera." The show centers around Peter and Jason, two students at a Catholic boarding school who have fallen in love. The show follows their struggle to maintain a relationship, and yet keep it hidden from the rest of the world. Here, Jason and Peter have just left a party where they were unknown, and able to be truly together for the night. The song is the discussion the two have regarding the future of their relationship.
I think that the writers of "Bare," Jon Hartmere, Jr. and Damon Intrabartolo, might have taken a few lessons from Catullus. :) Both the poem and the song contain an extreme out pour of love and affection, a question about the future of the relationship, and a refusal to let the opinions of others ruin the love between these two couples. One of the ways that emotions are conveyed in Catullus V is by slight exaggeration. I am sure that while Catullus would love to have had extremely long "love sessions" with Lesbia, he would get a bit annoyed with her kisses long before the total reached 3300. I also must say that his view of death is a bit dramatic. "We must sleep a perpetual night" might be a somewhat accurate statement, but it sure is not the most pleasant thought for a love poem. In "Best Kept Secret," however, the emotion is conveyed through word choice that is not too dramatic. Jason explains "We have to wait until the world is fast asleep" before he and Peter can be together. Peter comes back, saying that "Beneath a million stars there's no need to pretend" that they are not in love. These phrases are poetic in nature, just like Catullus's poem. They are not, however, nearly as dramatic as Catullus's view of death as a perpetual night.The difference lies in the fact that Catullus's poem is a love poem, but still has a darkness surrounding it. "Best Kept Secret" is a bit lighter, and even though a slight argument breaks out in the middle of the song, nothing really takes away from the atmosphere of love and affection that the song evokes.
In my opinion, both Catullus V and "Best Kept Secret" tug at my heart strings. Both pieces make me feel for these lovers. I feel the love that exists, I feel the tension, and I feel the struggle that both couples face. Both pieces have an air of love surrounding them, but also evoke a bit of tension and conflict. They are both wonderful expressions of love in a forbidden relationship.
http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/bareapopopera/bestkeptsecret.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZQ156qWlrI
The song is called "Best Kept Secret" from the musical "Bare: A Pop Opera." The show centers around Peter and Jason, two students at a Catholic boarding school who have fallen in love. The show follows their struggle to maintain a relationship, and yet keep it hidden from the rest of the world. Here, Jason and Peter have just left a party where they were unknown, and able to be truly together for the night. The song is the discussion the two have regarding the future of their relationship.
I think that the writers of "Bare," Jon Hartmere, Jr. and Damon Intrabartolo, might have taken a few lessons from Catullus. :) Both the poem and the song contain an extreme out pour of love and affection, a question about the future of the relationship, and a refusal to let the opinions of others ruin the love between these two couples. One of the ways that emotions are conveyed in Catullus V is by slight exaggeration. I am sure that while Catullus would love to have had extremely long "love sessions" with Lesbia, he would get a bit annoyed with her kisses long before the total reached 3300. I also must say that his view of death is a bit dramatic. "We must sleep a perpetual night" might be a somewhat accurate statement, but it sure is not the most pleasant thought for a love poem. In "Best Kept Secret," however, the emotion is conveyed through word choice that is not too dramatic. Jason explains "We have to wait until the world is fast asleep" before he and Peter can be together. Peter comes back, saying that "Beneath a million stars there's no need to pretend" that they are not in love. These phrases are poetic in nature, just like Catullus's poem. They are not, however, nearly as dramatic as Catullus's view of death as a perpetual night.The difference lies in the fact that Catullus's poem is a love poem, but still has a darkness surrounding it. "Best Kept Secret" is a bit lighter, and even though a slight argument breaks out in the middle of the song, nothing really takes away from the atmosphere of love and affection that the song evokes.
In my opinion, both Catullus V and "Best Kept Secret" tug at my heart strings. Both pieces make me feel for these lovers. I feel the love that exists, I feel the tension, and I feel the struggle that both couples face. Both pieces have an air of love surrounding them, but also evoke a bit of tension and conflict. They are both wonderful expressions of love in a forbidden relationship.
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