Classical Roman Literature: Lyric Poetry and Latin Theater Forms

Roman Lyric Poetry and Key Authors

Lyric poetry is a traditional poetic form that expresses intense feeling or profound reflection. It arises when it grows and reaffirms individuality, a reflective mood, and a taste for personal privacy. These expressions are manifestations of the experience of the self. Key authors of this period include Virgil, Horace, and Ovid.

Virgil: Eclogues and Didactic Poetry

Virgil's major works include:

• The Eclogues: A work of pastoral character, featuring pastoralists living in idealized nature. The themes revolve around love, often focusing on impossible affections for fellow shepherds.
• The Georgics: Belonging to didactic poetry, this work instructs on the rules for cultivating the field for better performance.

Horace: Canon, Balance, and Philosophical Odes

Horace is characterized by the use of balanced language and content that adheres to the Greek idea of the canon—a rule dictating balanced form and content to achieve static perfection. His major works include:

• Epodes: These works are satirical in theme. The most striking piece is "Beatus Ille" (Happy is the man), which refers to city dwellers who desire life in the country. The central theme is the desire for rural life.
• Epistles: These are letters that express the author's feelings and views, establishing the epistolary genre.
• Odes: The subjects are varied, including love and nostalgia. The most important are the love odes, where lovers are advised on how to win the affection of their loved one. The most prominent theme is "Carpe Diem" (Seize the Day). There are also philosophical odes that expose his ideas about life, most significantly reflecting currents of Stoicism and Epicureanism.

Ovid: Stages of Work and Mythological Themes

Ovid wrote extensively, even during his exile. His work is generally divided into three stages:

1. Youth: He wrote Ars Amatoria (The Art of Love), a treatise on the art of love.
2. Exile: He wrote Tristia (Sorrows).
3. Maturity: He wrote Metamorphoses, which focuses on mythological themes.

The Evolution of Latin Theater

Latin theater originated from traditional, oral, and popular dialogues sung by farmers while performing farm work. These pieces were initially composed in verse, but later authors wrote sophisticated burlesque pieces featuring stock characters such as the jealous old man, the braggart soldier, and others.

Genres and Roman Adaptations

The Romans maintained the Greek division between tragedy and comedy. However, tragedy was not newly created but adapted and translated from Greek originals for representation in Roman theaters.

• Adapted Tragedies: These were called fabulae graecariae.
• Native Tragedies: These were called fabulae praetextae.
• Comedies: These were called fabulae tulasi or fabulae togatae.

All works were written in verse, utilizing different meters.

Performance, Venue, and Actor Conventions

Latin theater was inherently musical, alternating text, music, and dance. Performances took place in open-air theaters, initially constructed of wood and later of stone. The stage featured a semicircular orchestra area for musicians. Performances usually occurred in the early afternoon.

Actors adhered to conventional roles and costumes:

• The Old Man: Wore white hair and white clothes.
• Slaves and The Young Man: Wore red hair and white and brown garments.