Passion Fades (72) Flashcards
Line 1: dicebas
Imperfect 2nd singular (in Catullus 70 dicit is present)
This shows that Catullus is thinking back (lesbia already betrayed him)
Line 1: quondam
Past adverb
This separates now from then
Line 1: nosse
Shorted for novisse (inf perfect)
It means “knew”
There is a connection to the bible as mary did not know men and so it also represents (sexual) love
Line 1-2: Catullus/lesbia
Line break shows that they are close but divided
First 2 lines
Lesbia’s promises
What does it mean by the fact it is a chiasmus?
Te
Lesbia + Catullus
Me
How is the poem a love triangle?
There is a love triangle shape between Catullus, lesbia and Jupiter in the first two lines
Line 3: dilexi
Perfect of dilego (dis means between two and lego means choose) and this shows that he chooses to love her (it is pure love)
Lines 3 + 4
They are facts and proof about catullus’s actual love
What tense are the first 4 lines in?
The past
What tense are the last four lines in?
In the present
Line 5:
Divides the past and present
Line 5: impensius
Comparative, join to the comparatives in line 6 (vilior and Levior)
Line 8: amare
Shows physical love
Line 8: bene velle
Compares to amare as bene velle shows psychological love
