Catullus Catullus (c. 80-50 BC) was from a well-to-do family and he moved in the highest levels of aristocratic Roman society. He was highly educated and knew thoroughly the works of the Greek poets writing from the 7th century BC down through the Hellenistic Period. He also sought to demonstrate that he could take them one better. As a result his poetry is highly polished and very carefully constructed. He also drew on a Roman tradition of satire and personal invective, which often used obscene motifs and themes. What viewpoint do his poems reveal – who’s usually the speaker? How many people are involved in poem 51? What views do his poems give of Roman private life

Catullus Catullus (c. 80-50 BC) was from a well-to-do family and he moved in the highest levels of aristocratic Roman society. He was highly educated and knew thoroughly the works of the Greek poets writing from the 7th century BC down through the Hellenistic Period. He also sought to demonstrate that he could take them one better. As a result his poetry is highly polished and very carefully constructed. He also drew on a Roman tradition of satire and personal invective, which often used obscene motifs and themes. What viewpoint do his poems reveal – who’s usually the speaker? How many people are involved in poem 51? What views do his poems give of Roman private life