The Poetic Structure of Silius Italicus' Punica (Books I-V)
The Poetic Structure of Silius Italicus' Punica (Books I-V)
Author(s): Stanisław ŚnieżewskiSubject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Studies of Literature, Ancient World, Other Language Literature, Philology
Published by: KSIĘGARNIA AKADEMICKA Sp. z o.o.
Keywords: improba virtus; epics; prolepsis; ekphrasis; aetiology; panegyric
Summary/Abstract: As concerns their poetic structure, the first five books of Silius’ Punica are very differentiated and complicated. However, all the events of the represented world concentrate around Hannibal and his improba virtus. Historical and mythological ekphrases are connected with Hannibal’s deeds. Aetiological stories seem to be invented by Silius himself. The panegyrical elements refer mainly to Domitian. Prolepses especially deserve to be noticed. Silius is influenced by learned Hellenistic poets, as well as Roman authors, mainly Ennius, Vergil, Lucan, Valerius Flaccus. In fact the author of the Punica can be described as poeta doctus.
Journal: Classica Cracoviensia
- Issue Year: 2019
- Issue No: 22
- Page Range: 91-118
- Page Count: 28
- Language: English