Horace Satire 2.6 Flashcards
What is Satire 2.6 about?
The Town Mouse and Country Mouse
City vs country living
Promoting epicureanism in the countryside
Quote x 2 - negative feel of the city (dull, depressing)
People there are “cursed with ambition”
“Oppressive autumn” (because its cold)
How is the town/country mouse story told?
Cervius - horace’s neighbour - tells the guests a story at a dinner party
Quote - shows his love for simple/farm life
“O when shall I see you, my farm?” - addresses farm as if talking to a lover, shows his longing for a life of simplicity
What is his criticism of the conversations that are had in the city (during dinner parties)? And what do they talk about in the country?
City - frivolous things like other people’s wealth, houses, and their skills
Country/ideal conversation - philosophical debates
Who is the country mouse similar to? And why?
Horace and friends - lived a more simple life in the country
Quote x 2 - nature of the country mouse
“Lived frugally” but was “still open to the art of being hospitable”
How does the town mouse persuade the country mouse to come to the city?
Uses persuasive language to promote a carpe diem mentality
Note: this is the only time Horace voices the idea of urban life being better (but then shuts it down)
How does Horace emphasise the wealth of people in the city?
Uses colours to enhance description - mentions scarlet and purple (these dyes were very expensive), and so was ivory, showing how people openly displayed their wealth
Quote - host in the city is compared to what?
“Not unlike a slave” - running around during a dinner party, also indicates how you will be a slave to your own desires if you choose this life
Why does the country mouse leave the city?
Large hounds came and threatened the dinner party - emphasises danger of the city
