Horace 3.9 Essay

Device
General meaning/ effect
Line
Word
Specific Effect
Hyperbaton
Transposition of natural word order enhances the meaning.
Usually a delay for a surprising effect

2-3
Potior…iuvenis
The unexpected noun iuvenis delayed after potior adds an element of surprise. The impact is enhanced

Persarum…rege
The adjective anticipates the noun, which is postponed for impact. The delayed rege heightens the male speaker’s claims of a blessed life.

4 vigui… beatior
The comparative adjective is delayed after the verb and serves as a shock. It is a shock to the audience to hear the speaker claiming to have led a life more illustrious than the ‘King’, known for his exceptional wealth and well being.

7 multi… nominis
The adjective multi anticipates the delayed noun nominis and this confirms the figurative meaning of the phrase- Lydia described herself of ‘great renown’. The separated adjective and noun frame Lydia, structurally enhancing her importance.

8
Roma…Ilia
The adjective Roma anticipates the noun ilia, which gains further impact from delay and exaggeration. The delayed noun is a surprise that heightens Lydia’s claims of a glorious life, supposedly more glorious than even the most famous of Roman women.

10 dulcis…modo *
The noun modo is delayed for effect.

12 animae…supersisti *
The adjective is unnecessary and gains force from being unexpected

14
Thurini… Ornyti
The separation of the words positions them to frame Calaius Filius and thus the description of lineage and place of origin is reflected in the structure. Thurian Ornytus. structurally envelops his son.

17 prisca…Venus *
The noun Venus is delayed for effect.

18 iugo…aeneo The delayed adjective aeneo is unexpected and so gains added weight from the separation and the estrangement of the two former lovers is structurally reflected in the separation of these words. The quality of the ‘yoke’ is also given impact as the unexpected adjective depicts it to be ‘bronze’.

19 flava…Chloe The delayed subject Chloe is emphatic

20 reiectae…Lydiae The separation of the words is structurally reflective of the meaning. The positioning of the words enhances the idea of Lydia’s rejection and the separation of the male and Lydia.

22-3 improbo…Hadria The adjective improbo requires a noun, which is delayed and thus more impactful, especially because of the image conveyed through Hadria.

Synchysis
Interlocked word order, usually structurally reflects the meaning for emphasis
2-3
Potior…iuvenis & bracchia…dabat
Potior…iuvenis interlocks with bracchia…dabat, structurally reflecting the physicality of embrace that is taking place.

4
Persarum…rege & vigui…beatior
The interlocking of the phrase persarum…rege with vigui…beatior is a structural integration of the male speaker into the image of the Persian King. This is an emphasis of his declaration that he has lived in greater blessedness than the king.
Metaphor
An implied comparison
6
Arsisti
With the metaphor arsisti, There is an implied comparison with the sensation of burning. The man whom Lydia is addressing is not literally burning, but rather he is figuratively enflamed by the love for her. The created image of fire thus supports the intended figurative meaning, which suggests a ‘burning’ passion of love.
In another interpretation, the metaphor may also suggest elements of danger and excess involved in an adventurous relationship.

9
Regit
The metaphor is an implied comparison, which suggests that Chloe does not literally ‘direct’ him, but figuratively has him under her control.

10
Dulcis
The verses are not literally ‘sweet’ to the taste, but ‘pleasant’ to the ear.

13
Torret face
Lydia’s new lover figuratively

Show More

Related Documents: Horace 3.9 Essay

Biography Of Jeffrey Jordan