Latin in translation
Paper instructions:
Choose one or two poems of Catullus to subject to close reading. Produce a cogent analysis of the formal structure, rhetorical style, and themes. You may connect the poem(s) to broader cultural problems such as gender, virtue, family, or late Republican politics.
use two poems. one being 11, other is open to preference between 5-13
CLASSICS 38 : Paper 1 DUE: 5/20/14
GUIDELINES &TOPICS
Objectives
To develop your ability to write critically about Classical literary texts in terms of form, thematiccontent, and relationship to cultural context. To provide you with an opportunity to delve more deeply into an author or authors of your choice.
Format and length
Your paper must be between 350 and 500 words, typewritten in 12-pt font. Provide an exact word count at the end of the paper.
**Please print out a hard copy and bring it to class on the due date, MAY 5th.
Outside sources
No outside sources may be used, aside from assigned readings and lectures. For these sources, you may use any citation style you prefer, as long as you are consistent. Quotes and citations should not be included in the final word count.
Suggested topics
1. Choose one or two poems of Catullus to subject to close reading. Produce a cogent analysis of the formal structure, rhetorical style, and themes. You may connect the poem(s) to broader cultural problems such as gender, virtue, family, or late Republican politics.
2. Compare and contrast two authors you have read in terms of the construction of authorial persona – that is, the voice and character identified with the author. What techniques do Roman writers use to convey these personae to readers? How do they locate themselves within a tradition or situate themselves with respect to politics?
3. Cicero arrives in Isla Vista to find that there has been “an event” involving some damaged property and a public disturbance. He delivers a speech in defense of the perpetrators. Write a version of that speech that would appeal to an imaginary ‘jury.’ Where would Cicero need to adapt his ethosand argument to contemporary values? How would his approach be different to meet the demands of our culture?
4. Choose one or two of Pseudolus’ monologues in Plautus’ play to subject to close reading. You may analyze, e.g., how Pseudolus’ language characterizes the “clever slave,” what meta-theatrical functions he performs, and/or how his speeches relate to comedy’s role in society.
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