Catullus -Poem 1

Poem 1 is narrated by Catullus, dono (1^st p. s.) in the first line makes that clear. The narrator begins by asking who he should dedicate this brand new book to, thus informing the audience that the narrator is also the author, Catullus.  He does not refer to himself by name in it, but he does name Cornelius (Nepos) as the recipient of the dedication. Half the poem (in terms of lines) is used to explain why Catullus chose Cornelius, including his comprehensive history. Catullus does also call on a muse in the second to last line and I was wondering if she would make an appearance.  That the opening poem of the book is so, almost, informal and letter-like is considerably different to the introduction in something like Homer. Although not easier, this introduction had a more approachable and less formulaically formal tone.

I thought the time setting for poem 1 was interesting, since Catullus used one out of only ten lines to describe that the writing surface was just prepared. The poem occupies first place in the text so then the fact that the papyrus was freshly prepared doesn’t seem a necessary inclusion. Was he thinking about that anxious anticipation that some authors today describe when the sit in front of a blank page, about to begin writing? Perhaps a minor nod to the nervousness involved in publishing his poems? It struck me that this detail took place at a very particular point in time, but it may help make it relatable in a timeless way.