The Poetry of Gaius Valerius Catullus/49

=Text & Translation=

=Connotations Of The Text=

Catullus knew Cicero and greatly admired him.

Line 2

 * Marce Tulli - Marcus Tullius (a.k.a. Cicero)

This is a very formal way of addressing Cicero, his patron. This is why the vocative case is used, which also indicates apostrophe, another poetic device that shows direct address. It serves to further contrast humble Catullus with the great Cicero.

Lines 5-7

 * pessimus omnium poeta - worst of all poets

The anaphora in these two lines emphasises Catullus' point - it could also add an air of sarcasm and hyperbole within the poem.


 * omnium - all

This is repeated three times, and creates a juxtapostition within the poem - i.e. Catullus is the worst of all the poets, and Cicero is the best of all the patrons.

=Vocabulary=

Line 3

 * aliis (Abl. Pl.) - other; alternate

Line 5

 * omnium,(Gen. Pl.) omnia - all; everyone

=External Links=


 * Catullus 49 A Translation of Catullus 49
 * Catullus 49 Another Translation of Catullus 49