The exam will have three parts, focused on Roman satire; there will be
some measure of choice within each part.
cut-and-dried identifications: basic factual information
(small credit per item, and a small component of the exam)
passages from the satires we’ve read: identify context, and discuss
briefly what the passage shows about Roman Satire (each a
medium-small quantum of credit, but adding up to a major component of
the exam)
satire essay: discuss a thematic question, drawing for support of
your contentions on specific, concrete evidence from several satires
(a large single item of credit; a major component of the exam)
Things to study
Terms and items you might be asked to identify include:
the two major satirists we’ve read
Ennius and Lucilius as predecessor-satirists
important figures in Horace’s Satires: Maecenas, Vergil and
Varius, Horace’s father, Brutus, Priapus, The Pest, Trebatius,
Ulysses, Tiresias, Nasidienus; the Sabine Farm
important figures in Juvenal’s Satires: Umbricius,
Crispinus, Domitian, Cicero, Quintilian, Sejanus, Hannibal, Messalina
the etymologies of the term "satire": what the terms mean and how
they relate to satires: satur, satyrs
Themes and overarching considerations to consider (both for passages
and for the essays; see also daily Study
Questions):
Strategy:
think of specific passages that illustrate important points, so you
can back up your arguments with concrete evidence on the test. Be sure
you explain clearly how the passage helps demonstrate your point.
self-presentation: how the satirist creates an image of his own
personality in his satires
persona: how the "speaker" within a satire relates to the message
of the satire (author-persona and alternative speakers)
why write satire: what does the poet suggest it does for him to
write satire?
why read satire: what does the poet suggest his audience can get
out of his satire?
aggression in satire: to what extent is it "attack poetry"? why do
the poets bounce what they’re doing off the image of "attack poetry"?
sex in satire: why is it an important topic? what sorts of things
get said about it?
food in satire: why is it an important topic? what sorts of things
get said about it?
relationships in satire: friendship, marriage, patron-client,
ruler-citizen, imperialistic state - client states
slaves and freedom in satire: why are they important topics?
(consider both literal and metaphorical references to slavery)
how "poetic" is satire?
how "funny" is satire?
personal and social morality in satire: how does the author imply
critique and suggestions?
modes of satire: how do the authors use monologue, dialogue,
personal narrative, folktale/fable, epic parody?
the history of satire: how and why does the author compare himself
to his predecessors?
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Readings and Assignments