Pliny's letters Flashcards
(26 cards)
Who was Pliny the Younger
-Born into a wealthy family, had access to Roman elite
-Appointed to the senator in 80AD, became a praetor and consul
-Characterised by strong moral tone
What genre did Pliny create
-Literary litter; instead of conventional history they were designed to give a picture of the time
-More intimate and personal account of life
What is the title Letter 1.9, what is the main subject
-The rat race
-Pleasures of spending time in his country estate in Laurentum
What are Pliny’s messages in Letter 1.9
-City life is trivial and hectic, contrasts to country where he can feel at peace and focus on writing
-Negative view towards city life, encourages Fundanus to leave city and move to country
Who is Fundanus, what letter is he featured in
-Consul in 107
-Letter 1.9; Rat Race
Quotes for Letter 1.9
-“I am hassled by no ambition, no fear and I am troubled by no gossip”
-“For us is better… to be at leisure than do nothing”
What is the title Letter 2.6, what is the main subject
-Discrimination at a dinner party
-On an unkind dinner host
What are the messages conveyed in Satire 2.6
-Guests are not given any option for their meals, rather based on their status and affluence; rigid class system in Rome
-Making Cenas cheaper reduce discrimination, should be jovial and intimate setting; simple Cenas are best
-Pliny criticised the callous attitudes of the host, strong moral compass
Who does Pliny write to in Satire 2.6 and why
-Avictus(Friend of Pliny)
-So he does not become consumed by status and wealth and become cruel like the host
Quotes for Letter 2.6
-“You must reduce your greed!”
What is the title Letter 3.14, what is the main subject
-Brutal murder
-On murder of Macedo by his slaves
What are the messages conveyed in Satire 3.14
-Cruel masters are at risk of slave rebellion, slaves had no remorse when deciding to kill their masters
-Romans were very superstitious and believed in the potency of bad omens
-Pliny is horrified by the slaves’ brutality and views them as barbaric and unreasonable
Who does Pliny write to in Satire 3.14 and why
-Acilius (Friend)
-He was away from Rome and the current affairs
Quotes for Letter 3.14 (3)
-“Horrid barbarity”
-“Masters are murdered not by slaves’ reasoning but by their brutality”
-“Ominous accident happened to him”
What is the title Letter 4.19, what is the main subject
-My lovely wife
-On the excellence of his young wife Calpurnia
What are the messages conveyed in Satire 4.19
-Pliny’s aunt in law raised his wife very well, and was the “model of family devotion”, was the perfect matchmaker
-His wife is intelligent & loved to read his books, shows devotion and gratification
-Pliny loves his wife very much and wishes for a strong and sustained marriage
Who does Pliny write to in Satire 4.19 and why
-Pliny writes to Calpurina, the aunt, as he is deeply appreciative of her and says his wife’s commitment and dedication is a result of her upbringing
Quotes for Letter 4.19
-“Model of family devotion”
-“Outstanding is her intelligence, outstanding her carful budgeting”
-“Martial bliss will be everlasting for us”
What is the title Letter 5.19, what is the main subject
-Zosimus
-On his concern for the health of his freedman Zosimus
What are the messages conveyed in Satire 5.19
-Zosimus was highly valued for his adept range of skills and talents; such as a reciter of comedies and musician
-Zosimus is humble and lives simply, avoiding luxuries, however is often sickly, Pliny sends him to Egypt & France to cure him= important
-Pliny’s compassionate treatment as a master/patron contrasts Letter 3.14 ‘Brutal Murder’
Who does Pliny write to in Satire 5.19 and why
-Writes to Paulinus who was consul in 107
-Had an estate in France which Pliny wanted to send Zosimus to, in order to find a cure in France
Quotes for Letter 5.19
-“Gentle as a father he was” (Homer ref-moral example)
-“Air is healthy and the milk is most suitable”
What is the title Letter 9.6, what is the main subject
-I hate racing!
-On his distaste for chariot games
What are the messages conveyed in Satire 9.6
-People go to chariot games solely to support their teams, disregard to actual racing and chariot racers; the games are repetitive and boring
-Studying literature in free time is much more peaceful and enjoyable than attending chariot games
-Pliny has a disdain towards the races, he views himself as superior as he doesn’t find them entertaining which misaligns with the norm
