Title: Il carme 64 di Catullo e le Argonautiche di Apollonio Rodio
Description: This study, based on a systematic comparison of the texts, analyzes the relationship between Catullus 64 and the Argonautica of Apollonius Rhodius. The introduction discusses the methodology that is used, and also discusses some theoretical issues relating to intertextuality. Chapter 1 outlines a history of modern criticism that highlights how, in studies of Catullus 64, during the last century and a half, Apollonius has assumed an increasingly important role. Chapters 2-9 present a more in-depth study of Catullus 64, which analyzes the Catullan text, highlighting the similarities in content, structure, and style with the Argonautica. The conclusion offers a summary of the results of the previous chapters. This work shows, in particular, that the complex of similarities between Catullus and Apollonius relates mainly to superficial elements or common places, and that there is no firm evidence for a direct dependency of Catullus on Apollonius. In contrast with much of recent scholarship, this study concludes that we should not use the Argonautica to explain Catullus 64, or to establish a dialogue of an intertextual nature between Catullus and Apollonius.
Subjects: Latin Epic poetry, History and criticism, Greek Epic poetry, Comparative literature, Latin and Greek, Greek and Latin
People: Gaius Valerius Catullus, Apollonius Rhodius