I hear so often about this poem amongst the greatest of Catullus's works. It is not at a loss for any literary value. The Rhyming in this translation does not at all bring concern that it goes not reflect the original Latin. This use of sarcasm clearly reflects the pinnacle of Catullus's literary skill, and does not hold back in using many other rhetorical devices. How could Lesbia resist poems such as this? Such great dignity in mocking the lovers of others! Society today clearly has no taste if you are among the most revered of Roman authors.
Well that was fun, thought I would see how it is to be like Catullus. I am not certain exactly as to why this poem is spurious, what doubts we have about its origin. This poem is obviously, really quite mean.
It's almost odd to read something so forthcoming and single-layered. But I always find myself looking for profundity, so why did I choose this poem? It is certainly different from anything I've seen before, I haven't seen poetry used for basic, direct insults before. I could begin guessing about time period, more than guessing, but I believe that is not the point of the assignment in this phase.
I suppose what I like about this poem other than it's sarcasm is that Catullus insults the girl's grammar and intelligence in addition to appearance, and takes an elitist taste approach rather than just saying that she's ugly. I do enjoy the translator's English wit, the poem sounds almost Shakespearean, I think Catullus would be proud.
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