Elegies 3.12 - Chaste and Faithful Galla Flashcards
Who is Postumus? What is the significance of his name?
Galla’s husband who’d gone to fight for Augustus in battle.
‘post’ is another word for after - the implication is that he’ll die or is already dead.
this stresses the negative impacts of war.
Why does Propertius call men who fight in war ‘madmen’?
he believes they have to be deluded to choose glory over their family.
What are the implications of Propertius’ use of the ‘voluptuousness’?
adjective most applicable to women, usually sexualised.
the reference alludes to the decline in morals in Rome, including an increase in adultery.
Analyse the ending line “Aelia Galla will outdo Penelope’s loyalty.”
parallel to Penelope who was famed for her chastity - she’ll wait for him no matter what.
this evokes sympathy from the audience as they question whether or not he’ll return home.
Summarise the poem.
it explore military absence and wifely devotion.
Propertius questions how Postumus can leave Galla to go and fight, while she spends her time at home waiting for your return.
What are the main messages of the poem?
suggests negative aspects of Augustan military campaigns - risk to life and anxious relatives.
love is more important than war.
What question arises from the reference to Ulysses?
Postumus is compared to Ulysses in his sense of greed and need for glory through war.
this could, however, show him to be a hero.
