Essay about The Softer Side of Catullus Exposed in Poem 5

The Softer Side of Catullus Exposed in Poem 5 This paper begins by discussing Catullus’ genuine love of life as expressed in poem 5 and introduced in the first line. It considers poem 5 as rather less cynical than many of Catullus’ others, and therefore uniquely revealing. It then examines the first triad, which expresses defiance of convention, and the second, which expresses the brevity of life and the urgency of love. The enumeration of kisses is then discussed in particular detail with comparisons to poems 7 and 48. Finally, it shows that Catullus’ usual cynicism, which is missing throughout most of the poem, appears just at the end, displaying Catullus’ ingenuity. Though he is indeed a cynic, Catullus seems to express in†¦show more content†¦Catullus passion for living sets the tone for the entire poem. The emotion he feels for Lesbia at this moment allow us to see this passion. Given up to his feelings for Lesbia, Catullus shows us his true self, a man who loves life and lives to love. After the opening line, Catullus defiantly rejects the rumores senum severiorum, â€Å"rumors of rather harsh old men.† For young men in love do not give heed to the opinions of others, especially to those of old men. Old men are, as Merrill puts it â€Å"proverbially the censors of the young† (12). This affair is of course a secret one, since Lesbia, whether Clodia or no, was certainly married (Cat. 83); therefore Ellis gives scandal for rumores and â€Å"censorious† for severiorum (19). Yet no convention or opinion will keep the eager Catullus from experiencing the joys of life and love. He insists to Lesbia that they must pay no heed to such rumors, must value them at one penny, aestimemus assis. The words as, â€Å"a small bronze coin,† and aestimare, â€Å"to estimate,† set another tone for the poem which comes up later—that of counting and guessing numbers. The second triad in the poem makes it plain that, as Hart-Davies notes, â€Å"the poem’s philosophy is purely Epicurean† (139). It introduces images that express the sense of urgency that a young lover on the brink of new romance feels. To one in love, a lifetime seems far too short a season to spend with one’s lover. Therefore Catullus’ excitement at this new love makes him