Catullus And Sappho Comparison

Test 1: Sappho and Catullus

1. From the beginning time love has always been a complicated subject matter full of competition. Usually, when the words “love” and “competition” are used together, they are automatically associated with love triangles. While this is true, there is more to love than person vs person conflict. There is also: person vs self (ex. emotions), person vs external factors (ex. social stigma), person vs lover, etc. All of these conflicts are highlighted in the writings of Greek, female author name Sappho. Sappho longs for love; in her first poem, “Deathless Aphrodite of the spangled mind” Sappho begs Aphrodite for a lover; however, she is scared that Aphrodite will leave her in heartbreak (Sappho 596). In lines 15 and

For example, in poem 16, “Some men say an army of horse", Sappho seems to be inspired by Lady Helen’s decision to leave her husband for Paris of Troy despite what those around her believed (Sappho 597). In this situation, there was a competition between Helen and the social stigma of people being angered by her degrard for her marriage, children, and people. However, while love can give people strength, it can also result in weakness. This sorrow is accentuated in poem 94, “I simply want to be dead", Sappho says, “I simply want to be dead. Weeping she left me with many tears…” In this situation, there was a competition between two lovers (Sappho

Catullus understands that he and Lesbia are not in the best situation regarding their relationship, “Lesbia’s always bad-mouthing me, never stops talking of me.” (Catullus 975). In both of these statements, the reader would believe that Catullus is starting to come to the realization that this relationship can never transpire and is losing hope. However, while the situation may frustrate him, Catullus loves Lesbia unconditionally, “I hate and I love. You wonder, perhaps, why I’d do that? I have no idea. I just feel it. I am crucified” (Catullus