Reading Group: “Odi et amo”: Perspectives on Roman Women

Previous participation and previous knowledge not required.

In Catullus 85, the Roman poet addresses Lesbia and expresses his hatred of her for the injustice she inflicts on him, and yet, his love persists: “nesc[it]” (meaning, “he does not know why”). It is as if he does not understand…  

Grappling with the spectrum of perspectives held on and by Roman women, this reading group will explore both what the range of these attitudes were and to what degree they persist in their local communities and societies. How much can we know anyhow? We’ll engage in a close reading of ancient texts, including Catullus 85, and in so doing participants will develop a better understanding of the intersections of gender, patriarchy, power, and their implications for the lives of Roman men and women, and for our own lives. Can we get beyond “odi et amo”?

8-Week Text-In-Translation Reading Group

Thursdays @…