When I was at school there was a test to stream those interested in Latin, Greek and Classical Studies. Many chose to flunk it, so they got to skip learning Latin or Greek, but had to listen to adventures like Homer’s Odyssey. I tried to pass, but ended up with Classical Studies. I vaguely remember acquiring the Latin/English translation of Caesar’s war journals to aid any Latin homework, but mostly I got to sit in a comfy leather armchair as our teacher made Homer come to life.
The Classics are barely taught these days, and mostly to posh kids in private schools. So why do modern poets still include references to some forgotten Roman Emperor’s horse or the love child of a Greek god? Adding weight to poetry can deter the non-classically educated reader. I know that when the classical references pile up like the bodies at Thermopylae, I want to reach for the hemlock.
Ovid is supposed to be the high watermark of Latin poetry, but too much of it goes over my head. I will give Metamorphoses another go, but it is likely to be an effort. I picked up Clive James’ book of poetry, The Book of My Enemy and struggled with the rhymns a bit, but what I found irritating were the classical references tossed into the cleverness. What do they add? Are they some form of shorthand for clever clogs? Well, leave it out mate!
Natalie Haynes is a classicist and comedian whose radio show, Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics is well worth a listen. And I think that is the clue to enjoying these ancient yarns; you need a good storyteller.
odespinner 