Rhetoric, Wit and Humour in Catullus 44

Abstract

Rhetoric, Wit and Humour in Catullus 44 The paper analyses Catullus’s c. 44, a witty and ironic poem on the frigidity of the rhetorical style of a certain Sestius’. The aim of the analysis is to point at the relationship between c. 44 and other Catullan poems concerning the themes of friendship/companionship and literature. Comic elements, especially in the presentation of Catullus’ parasitus-like behaviour, will also be taken into account.

Keywords

• Catullus
• parody
• pastiche
• rhetoric
• Roman comedy
• frigus