Catullus 2 and 3: A programmatic pair of Sapphic Epigrams?

Ingleheart, J.

Abstract

Starting from a broad ancient definition of 'epigrams' which includes poems which are not in elegiacs, and Martial's use of Catullus 2 (written in hendecasyllables) as a model for his own epigrams (Mart. 4.14.13-4), my paper examines epigrammatic features in Catullus 2 and 3, as well as other literary affinities that can be traced in these poems. AP 7.195 and 196 (by Meleager) are important epigrammatic models for Catullus 2, and I identify major correspondences and differences between these poems, before considering another important model for Catullus 2: Sappho fr. 1. From examination of Sapphic features in Catullus 2 and 2b, my paper moves to Catullus 3, and explores its affinities with Greek epigram (in particular the epitaphs found in AP 7 and Hellenistic curse poetry). In the final section of the paper, working from Martial's references to Catullus' passer and Catullus' use of Sappho fr. 1 in Catullus 2, I consider Catullus 2 as the opening poem of a Catullan collection, and the implications that this has for our interpretation of his poetry.

Citation

Ingleheart, J. (2003). Catullus 2 and 3: A programmatic pair of Sapphic Epigrams?. Mnemosyne: A Journal of Classical Studies, 56(5), 551-565. https://doi.org/10.1163/156852503770735952

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2003-09
• Deposit Date: Mar 30, 2007
• Journal: Mnemosyne
• Print ISSN: 0026-7074
• Electronic ISSN: 1568-525X
• Publisher: Brill Academic Publishers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 56
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 551-565
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/156852503770735952
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1555104
• Publisher URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/brill/mne/2003/00000056/00000005/art00003