Comparing Catullus And Sappho's Poetry

According to Wikipedia, the word “lyric” comes from the Latin word “lyricus"

meaning “of or for the lyre.” A lyric poet places focus towards the reader directly,

depicting his or her own feelings, mindset, and perception. In lyric poetry, the mood is

musical and emotional. Sappho and Catullus’s poetry captures love, compassion, jealousy

and suffering through imagery. Although Catullus is more direct and less sensitive with

his words, Sappho’s poem are more subtle, fine and delicate in nature. Consequently, the

similarity in theme between the two poets work is undeniable, but the expression is

divergent based on gender perspective. Unbeknownst to readers who may not be familiar

with Sappho, it is important to remember that she

He professes his inability to speak, he sweats profusely and his sense of hearing perceives

static because he’s anxious. Lesbia’s ability to affect Catullus casts a masculine

perception of passion from his words. Using direct terms makes Catullus seemingly less

thoughtful, less delicate and it presents a more aggressive behavior. These expressions

are powerful, strong, and vigorous, which are characteristics of masculinity.

Thefreedictionary.com characterizes feminine as having “qualities or

characteristics traditionally ascribed to women, as sensitivity, delicacy, or prettiness”.

They are particularly attributes and behaviors associated with the female gender. Sappho

writes He is more than a woman with a depth of love, compassion and chaos for the

female object of her affection. Using delicate vocabulary, she exclaims:

who listens intimately to the sweet murmur of your voice, the enticing laughter that makes my own heart beat fast (pg 564, line5-9)

Sappho displays pleasant and fine words of affection for her female interest.