Catullus Key Phrases

Question 1

miser Catulle

Answer 1

Unhappy Catullus - line one, poem 6 - establishes tone right at start. he is speaking to himself (using 3rd person) - he is in such a state of turmoil that he needs a stern talking to.

Question 2

perrisse…perditum

Answer 2

Written Off - line 2, poem 6 - uses language associated with accountants, if a bad debt is lost it is considered written off

Question 3

fulsere…candidi tibi soles

Answer 3

Once suns shone bright for you - line 3, poem 6 - references poem one by placing a contrast to it. Refers to sunny days of happiness, when ‘you (catullus) kept on going where the girl led’. those were days which were once enjoyed, but no longer

Question 4

amata nobis quantum amabitur nulla

Answer 4

‘a girl loved by me as much as no woman will ever be loved’ - line 5, poem 6. Catullus feels like he and Lesbia had an irreplaceable relationship which nobody else will ever have