William Chiu

The poems of Catullus are very different from the content we have studied in the openness and informality of the content and language. He writes as he wishes which at the time in roman society was completely out of the normal. one poem which I found his openness particularly surprising would be poem number 21. In this crude poem he makes an attempt to dissuade Aurelius from trying to have sex with all of his friends and directs him to particularly avoid one male whom Catullus appears to favor. His blunt words are furthered by a threat towards Aurelius that he will sodomize him if he does not refrain from his lustful acts. i was quite taken aback from the language and content here. Despite the uncomfortable content of a few poems. i admire the audacity of this author. He writes about the subjects and topic which concern his life whether it be his lust, anger or friendships.