Imperial Image Poetry Flashcards
Who wrote the Res Gestae and when?
Augustus himself, it was completed one month before his death: 19th August 14 AD.
Examples of lies in the Res Gestae.
“On my own initiative and at my own expense, I raised an army.” (Section 1)
“I drove into exile those men who had murdered my father.” (Section 2)
“I preferred to preserve rather than eliminate.” (Section 3)
“I freed the sea from pirates.” (Section 25)
Why is Actium only mentioned twice the Res Gestae? Why does this contrast reality?
Augustus no longer wanted to be known for brutality and he also did not want to promote the idea of a civil war.
However, there was a triple triumph held because of Actium where a statue of Cleopatra was paraded through Rome along with her children in cages.
Who is IX- A Toast to Actium (Horace) addressed to?
Maecenas, the culture minister
What is Antony referred to as in IX- A Toast to Actium (Horace) and why?
‘A Roman’- an attempt to avoid the image of civil war. However, he does not directly shame him.
“The enemy, beaten at sea and on land, Changes his scarlet cloak for black.” Showing how Antony had given into the Eastern lifestyle which was looked down upon by the Romans, connoting black with death.
How is Cleopatra mentioned in IX- A Toast To Actium (Horace)
States Antony fought against Rome ‘for a woman’s sake’ and it states that “The sun looks down on her shameful pavilion” which is a link to Octavian and Apollo, additionally referencing the un-godlike actions of the East.
How does IX- A Toast to Actium (Horace) improve Octavian’s image?
“Lets delight in banishing fear and anxiety For Caesar’s affairs, with sweet wine.” Saying Octavian will bring peace and his victory will be festive.
There is a festive atmosphere created in the beginning of the poem as well:
“drinking Caecuban Cellared for festive banquets.”
What is the word used to describe Horace’s view of Cleopatra in 1.37: Cleopatra?
Ambiguity
What is the ambiguity in 1.37: Cleopatra by Horace demonstrated?
“As the sparrowhawk follows the gentle dove.” The simile makes Cleopatra seem pitiful and maybe Octavian treated her too harshly.
However, it contrasts the simile the line before of “that deadly monster”- contrasting views.
How does Horace display the importance of stoicism in 1.37: Cleopatra?
Displaying Cleopatra as having bravery and nobility and being a worthy opponent of Octavian, then further saying “she dared to gaze at her fallen kingdom with a calm face.” Importance of Ancient Roman values.
When was 3.6: Moral Decadence (Horace) written?
13 BC
