Horace’s Satires
Horace’s Satires
Writing satires established Quintus Horatius Flaccus, poet and philosopher, as the quintessential free thinker during the time of Augustus (Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Augustus). Horace’s satires, apparently humorous, tackle social issues in such a way that his said satires have remained of interest from when it was first published to modern day. The reason I refer to Horace’s satires being apparently humorous is that I find it difficult to detect the humour. British humour, for example, is considered dry in comparison to that of American humour. The reason for this is that one really requires at least a basic knowledge of British history to be able to understand the humour. This is not typically the case with American humour. American humour is essentially universal. There is no real thought required in processing what is being read, said, or played out. Then there is the humour of Horace, the focus of this assignment. As previously mentioned, I find it difficult to detect the comic wit Horace employs in the creation of his satires. This is not entirely surprising since Horace is essentially writing for an audience that is familiar with his work. Many of us reading Horace’s works today are basically looking at his satires through the eye of a modern day lens. This is something that should be taken into account when reading Horace’s Satires.
Horace’s moral code is imbedded into virtually everything he writes. This is essentially true of all of his satires. It is clear from Horace’s writing that he wants his readers to be wary of their actions. Horace is basically trying to impress on his readers that following a particular moral code is essential for good living. What is that moral code? Doing the least harm seems to be important to Horace. The same appears to be true of attempting to benefit the society as a whole. One could argue that these are admirable qualities that people should cultivate. Evidentially, through their behaviour, not
Writing satires established Quintus Horatius Flaccus, poet and philosopher, as the quintessential free thinker during the time of Augustus (Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Augustus). Horace’s satires, apparently humorous, tackle social issues in such a way that his said satires have remained of interest from when it was first published to modern day. The reason I refer to Horace’s satires being apparently humorous is that I find it difficult to detect the humour. British humour, for example, is considered dry in comparison to that of American humour. The reason for this is that one really requires at least a basic knowledge of British history to be able to understand the humour. This is not typically the case with American humour. American humour is essentially universal. There is no real thought required in processing what is being read, said, or played out. Then there is the humour of Horace, the focus of this assignment. As previously mentioned, I find it difficult to detect the comic wit Horace employs in the creation of his satires. This is not entirely surprising since Horace is essentially writing for an audience that is familiar with his work. Many of us reading Horace’s works today are basically looking at his satires through the eye of a modern day lens. This is something that should be taken into account when reading Horace’s Satires.
Horace’s moral code is imbedded into virtually everything he writes. This is essentially true of all of his satires. It is clear from Horace’s writing that he wants his readers to be wary of their actions. Horace is basically trying to impress on his readers that following a particular moral code is essential for good living. What is that moral code? Doing the least harm seems to be important to Horace. The same appears to be true of attempting to benefit the society as a whole. One could argue that these are admirable qualities that people should cultivate. Evidentially, through their behaviour, not