Detailed Assignment for Week 6 (5-9 Feb.)
Read
āBook 14.51 (Woodman); 52-65 (Latin)
It's likely we'll spend the bulk of Monday on 52-56; Wed. we will concentrate specifically on 61-64 to ensure we do not skimp on the Latin here.
Ponderanda
This week's reading in Latin features two notable episodes: Seneca's break with Nero and the demise of Octavia. Both represent a sort of continuing unraveling of Nero's relationships, but one that we will see has disastrous and irreversible consequences.
- With respect to the meeting between Nero and Seneca (14.53-56): This scene is unusual in a number of respects, not least because it purports to be the report of (an approximated: v. the ferme at 14.55.1) conversation between the two. It is, moreover, after a fashion an 'argument' (in the quasi-Socratic/Platonic sense). Two things to think about:
- Who, in your view, makes the more persuasive argument -- Seneca or Nero?
- What do you imagine is Tacitus' source for this exchange? (This is a more interesting question than one might think.)
- With respect to the death of Octavia (14.61-64): The Murgatroyd article I mention below argues that this scene is noteworthy for its 'combination of emotional impact and damning indictment [sc. of Nero]' and is constructed in such a way to ensure we do not experience the 'cloying boredom' of just another one of Nero's murders. As you read, look specifically for how Tacitus achieves an emotional impact...and indicts Nero.
Legenda ad libitum
- I have had occasion to mention in passing the Octavia of Pseudo-Seneca, an extraordinarily fascinating text (whose authorship and date of composition have been much debated). At this point, and esp. in conjunction with this week's reading, you might find it very interesting reading. You may find a serviceable English translation along with facing Latin text -- and an excellent introduction -- in Volume 2 of John Fitch's edition of Seneca. Tragedies (Loeb Classical Library 2018). Available electronically (as are all Loebs) through UW Libraries (search for 'Loeb Classical Library' in catalogue); hard copy in seminar room. It would not take you long to read it. The end of the play (it only covers roughly the last 3 days of Oct.'s life) is devoted to her death (ca. lines 899-982...it stops short of recounting her actual death). A fair chunk of scholarship has been devoted to comparing this play with Tacitus' Octavia.
- A good examination of the death of Octavia in Tacitus may be found in P. Murgatroyd, 'Tacitus on the Death of Octavia,' Greece & Rome 55.2 (2008) 263-73. Click HERE for a pdf of it. Download HERE for a pdf of it.