In this paper, I propose a reading of a simile in Statius’ Achilleid (1.178–181), inside the Achilles’ first appearance on the scene. In a few lines, Statius condenses an athletic–heroic image, prefiguring the future epic hero of the Trojan war, but paradoxically expressed with an allusive erotic–elegiac language, inspired on the Challimacus’, Theocritus’ and elegiac also style. In particular, the Propertian model, recalled here and in other places of the Achilleid with certain references to elegy 3.14, reveals itself not only as a simple lexical repertoire to draw from, but also a wise exemplum for the metapoetic reflection, particularly supported within the first book of Achilleid, and focused on the ‘curve’ of the cultivated literary genre.
Su un similitudine in Stazio Achilleide 1.178-181 e suo intento programmatico
UCCELLINI R
2020-01-01
Abstract
In this paper, I propose a reading of a simile in Statius’ Achilleid (1.178–181), inside the Achilles’ first appearance on the scene. In a few lines, Statius condenses an athletic–heroic image, prefiguring the future epic hero of the Trojan war, but paradoxically expressed with an allusive erotic–elegiac language, inspired on the Challimacus’, Theocritus’ and elegiac also style. In particular, the Propertian model, recalled here and in other places of the Achilleid with certain references to elegy 3.14, reveals itself not only as a simple lexical repertoire to draw from, but also a wise exemplum for the metapoetic reflection, particularly supported within the first book of Achilleid, and focused on the ‘curve’ of the cultivated literary genre.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
