THE VERNULA AND TilE PHOENIX IN MARTIAL 5.37

  • M.J. Mans University of Pretoria

Abstract

1. INTRODUCTION The more elaborate, but, to a great extent, exotic depiction of Erotion, Martial's beloved vernu/a in verses 1-13, is in sharp contrast with our author's abrupt, passing reference to the phoenix and mere allusion to its rarity in verse 13 of Ep. 5.37. The manifold purpose of this paper is therefore to determine by way of an analytic and interpretative investigation (i) Martial's poetical treatment of the vernula and the phoenix, (ii) the legendary bird 's significance and function, if any' in this particular epigram, and (iii) any connection there might be between the vernula and the phoenix. These aims will, however, not necessarily be treated in this order.
Published
2014-03-30
Section
Articles