What is it about?
This paper examines the famous polyptoton (Thetidis . . . Thetis . . . Thetidi) in Catullus’ poem 64.19–21 and interprets it as a morphological realization of Thetis’ metamorphosis, which—along with the whole negative side of the myth—is suppressed in the Catullan narrative. This 'morphological metamorphosis' is, according to this paper, part of Catullus’ play with narrative and (inter)textual illusions in his miniature epic.
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Why is it important?
Reflections upon the medium of writing is common in Latin Literature. So is the play with different variants of a myth. This short paper, however, presents a unique case where we can observe both at the same time.
Perspectives
I was glad to discover this brilliant 'morphological metamorphosis'. Catullus' ingenuity is shining here.
Dr Ábel Tamás
Eotvos Lorand Tudomanyegyetem
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Morphological Metamorphosis of Thetis in Catullus’ Poem 64, Classical World, January 2014, Project Muse,
DOI: 10.1353/clw.2014.0008.
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