Sappho and Latin Poetry

Abstract

This chapter presents an important study of Sappho in the context of her Roman reception with regard to ancient literary theory. As in Chapter 2, also by Richard Hunter, a metaliterary pair of concepts appears central, but this time it is the pair of γλαφυρά‎ (‘smooth’) versus αὐστηρά‎ (‘harsh’, ‘rough’, ‘bitter’) that is at the centre of attention. The chapter shows how this pair helps to understand Sappho and how she was perceived in ancient Rome. While gauging various concepts of ancient literary style, this chapter explores passages from Hellenistic and Roman literary critics and poets, all against the background of a number of Sapphic fragments.