Catullus 15

Question 1

that man

Answer 1

A particular man or just any man who is not so affected by Lesbia as Catullus

Question 2

sitting opposite over and over again he sees and hears you laughing sweetly something which tears all senses from me, poor wretch

Answer 2

Some suggest the situation is a dinner party, but there is nothing in the text to say so. The jealous lover feels wretched to see his girl enjoying another man’s company. Note the strong tearm “tears from me”

Question 3

For as soon as I have caught a glimpse of you, Lesbia, I’m left with nothing (speechless). My tongue is paralysed. A subtle flame spreads through my limbs. My ears ring with a sound that is all their own. My eyes are veiled in twin darkness

Answer 3

Note the detailed way he describes the physical effect on his senses and again the strength of his feelings, with terms like tongue paralysed; a flame in his limbs; a ringing in his ears; a blindness coming on. Are these pleasant or unpleasant feelings?

Question 4

Equal to a god if it is acceptable to say

Answer 4

He tries to avoid hubris as he can believe that people are unaffected by Lesbia