Readings in Latin Literature (310-0-2)

Topic

Sisters and Sisterhood in Roman Epic

Instructors

Francesca Tataranni
847/491-8029
Kresge Hall 4363

Meeting Info

University Library 3322: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

From Romulus and Remus to the Horatii triplets, from the idealized solidarity of the Scipio brothers to Cicero's letters "ad Quintum fratrem", from Catullus' farewell to his dead brother to the tragic stories of Euryalus and Nisus and Pandarus and Bitias in Vergil's "Aeneid", fraternal relationships figure prominently in Roman history and literature. But what about sisters? In this course, we will examine how epic poems of the Augustan and Flavian age depicted the emotional bond between sisters and ask ourselves to what extent these narratives can illuminate the otherwise scantly documented significance of sisterhood in Roman society. Vergil's and Ovid's stories of Dido and Anna, Herse and Aglauros, Procne and Philomena will guide our exploration of ideals of women's behavior as sisters, wives, and mothers. The course will end with an investigation of the large-scale treatment of sisterly relations (by blood and by choice) in Statius' "Thebaid".

Class Materials (Required)

All the readings for this class will be posted on Canvas.

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area