Catullus 61

Translation 1 from The Portable Roman Reader, Davenport

Translation 2 http://rudy.negenborn.net/catullus/text2/e61.htm

Catullus's view on weddings/marriage:

This was a most interesting poem indeed to choose, as it further's our understanding of Catullus's approach to love. In Catullus 5, he seems to take a very epicurean approach to the living and loving he encourages, living and enjoying oneself without cosndieration for elders and their scorning. However, the Epicureans did not support marriage, believing it placed far too much stress on an individual, particularly in raising children. However, here Catullus praises Hymen, clearly placing huge importance on marriage and thus his numen as a diety,

" Who would dare be

compared to this god? Without you, no family can give
children, and no parent can rely on his offspring, but he
can when you are willing. Who would dare be compared to this
god? A land that lacked your holy rites would not be able to
give guardians to its borders: but it would if you were
willing. Who would dare be compared to this god? "

Now from what we've previously seen of Catullus, we could expect that this is because one can more freely and securely enjoy the pleasures of sex. However, he also says, "Sex can seize nothing of benefit without

you, because a good reputation demonstrates one’s goodness, but sex can do this when you are willing." This is almost Stoic in its ideals of marriage and sex serving the role of reproduction, and that marriage is the only way to make sex decent for building a good reputation. However, he does manage to get in,

"O marriage bed, which for everyone... How

numerous the pleasures of the ivory-footed marriage bed come
to your husband, which, on a restless night, and in the
middle of the day, may he enjoy!"

demonstrating that this is not a different author simply writing under Catullus's name. However, the sum of all these things does demonstrate that Catullus put value in family structure and stability. Combined with his praise and celebration of its patron deity, this fulfills two of the three layers of Stoic pietas, being at perfect terms with family, country, and the gods.

Reconsidering it, this is not actually all that surprising. Catullus is certainly a devoted and rebellious youth, upset at the power plays of the elders. How many young people in literature and in life fantasize about the joys and importance of marriage? I know engaged couples in my grade, it is obvious that this is the fantasy of boys and girls alike who are consumed with ideals of love and intimacy. It would make sense then, that Catullus would write about it so fondly. Catullus clearly supports devotion and fidelity,

"Anointed groom, you will be criticized for keeping away from

your bald, effeminate slaves, but keep away from them. Yo!
Hymen Hymenaeus, yo! Yo! Hymen Hymenaeus! We know that these
peccadilloes (which are permitted to you) are the only ones
you have known, but they are not permitted to a married man."

which makes sense due to how much trouble it was for him to court Lesbia, sleeping with so many men. He also encourages the benefits of dedicated motherhood, citing with allusion the mothering of Telemachus by Penelope. Thus in this poem we see how Stoicism extends beyond the ideals of old and wealthy Roman patrons seeking a more united state and appeals to the youth in some fashion. Seeking stability in life, finding purpose and meaning in living responsibly, all tempting to confused and anxious youth pressured for greatness in upperclass upbringing. This poem has not only taught me more about Catullus, but the nature of youth.