Light and Darkness in Quintus Smyrnaeus’ Posthomerica 2

Abstract

Francis Vian, in the Notice which precedes his translation of book 2, mentioned the common structure of the first two books, a sign, according to him, of the intention of the poet to show their unity.1 I will analyze attentively the character of Memnon and the role that light and darkness, on the one hand, and colors, on the other, play in his fashioning, making frequent reference to Penthesileia. Book 1 finished with the expectation of Dawn (see Q.S. 1.830). Book 2 begins with the light of the sun which marks the new day, a day of joy for the Danaans, but a day of sorrow for the Trojans: