3.6 Moral Decadence - Horace (odes)

Question 1

What is the poem 3.6 Moral decadence about

simple

Answer 1

The poem is about moral laxity as the cause of Rome’s failings.

Question 2

when was 3.6 Moral decadence published/written

Answer 2

23 BCE

Question 3

Who wrote 3.6 Moral Decadence

Answer 3

Horace

Question 4

what is the format/ structure of 3.6 Moral Decadence

Answer 4

It is a lyrical poem, consisting of 48 lines that is a call to action to restore the temples and return to the old moral values.

Question 5

Summarise 3.6 Moral Decadence

Answer 5

Roman’s pay the price for the sins of their ancestors, but are also currently neglecting the gods until the temples are restored. Enemies have taken advantage. This is a wicked age with marriages defiled. The heroes of old were better. Before, Romans were decent rustic people, whereas now Romans risk producing sinful children.

Question 6

what are the themes of 3.6 Moral Decadence

Answer 6

Moral decline - there is a need to re-establish the golden age of Rome
Religion (Augustus as a Religious leader) - there is a need to re-establish respect for the gods
Pater Patriae - there is a need for a strong moral leader

Question 7

What (alleged) problem in Rome is highlighted in 3.6 Moral Decadence

Answer 7

The end of the republic has supposedly seen a fall in moral standards, an increase of luxury, indulgence and then greed and peersonal ambition. Sexual morals were said to be in decline (more adultery). There was a lack of respect for the gods.

Question 8

What does 3.6 Moral Decadence imply regarding Augustus

Answer 8

it implies that Augustus is the answer - The poem begins with laying the blame at the temples being in ruin. But in the contempory period Augustus is rebuilding temples and getting his allies and friends to do the same.

Question 9

When were the Leges Iuliae passed

Answer 9

18-17BCE
so after this poem

They encouraged marriage and childbearing and made adultery a crime