1.37 Cleopatra - Horace (odes) Flashcards
what does ‘1.37 Cleopatra’ contain
It is a poem about Cleopatra, written 7 years after Actium
when was ‘1.37 Cleopatra’ published
23BCE
7years after her death, 8 years after Actium
Who published ‘1.37 Cleopatra’
Horace
what is the formate of ‘1.37 Cleopatra’
It is a lyric poem, that consists of 32 lines and is addressed to the reader
summarise ‘1.37 Cleopatra’
Preperations for a feast are being made. While Rome was under threat it would have been wrong to drink. Now the mad and corrupt enemy had been defeated. Yet she showed bravery, opting for suicide to avoid being paraded in a triumph.
Who is not mentioned in ‘1.37 Cleopatra’
Antony isnt mentioned and Cleopatra despite being the focus of the poem is not named
what does 1.37 Cleopatra focus on
While Augustus is strong the poem focuses on the vanquished rather than the victor.
How did Horace make ‘1.37 Cleopatra’ still relevant of Augustus’ propaganda campaign
He made it seem as though the threat was almost in Rome at the Capitol rather than at its actual location, he also makes Cleopatra seem mad and dangerous early on in the poem which makes Augustus’ victory all the more impressive as it shows him to be Rome’s protector when they were in a lot of danger and shows him to be a good and strong military leader.
How does the portrayal of Cleopatra change throughout the 1.37 Cleopatra poem.
She goes from being “a maddened queen” who plots the Capitol and Empire’s ruin → to being “that deadly monster” → before becoming prey - “the swift hunter chases the hare” → and then final she is like a Roman man - “dared to gaze… with a calm face…. growing fiercer still, and resolving to die” she is also desribed as “intending to perish more nobly, showed no sign of womanish fear”
What are the themes in 1.37 Cleopatra
Strong military leader - Actium is a key victory, that will be remembered and praised
Peace - this victory brings peace, security and stability to Rome
