Myth as historic benchmark in Horace Odes : 3:1-6
Date
2006
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch University, Department of Ancient Studies
Abstract
Can a lyric poet have anything valid to say about historic realities? In this paper I argue that by looking carefully at Horace’s use of myth as a larger frame of reference
against which Odes 3.1 – 6 should be read, a case can be made for a lyric poet’s subtly critical assessment of the contemporary reality. In short I want to suggest that
the poet uses myth as a means to comment (implicitly) on the contemporary historic reality concerned. Furthermore, if a reference to myth can operate as implied comment on the present, this reference can also include didactic purpose, or more specifically advice on how to act in the present reality.
Description
CITATION: Thom, S. 2006. Myth as historic benchmark in Horace Odes : 3:1-6. Akroterion, 51:71-86, doi:10.7445/51-0-64.
The original publication is available at http://akroterion.journals.ac.za
The original publication is available at http://akroterion.journals.ac.za
Keywords
Lyric poetry, Horace -- Odes, Book 3, Myth in literature, Horace -- Criticism and interpretation
Citation
Thom, S. 2006. Myth as historic benchmark in Horace Odes : 3:1-6. Akroterion, 51:71-86, doi:10.7445/51-0-64