The Art of Praise in the ‘Argonautica-Syncrisis’ at the Beginning of Claudian’s Bellum Geticum

Authors

  • Nora Kohlhofer University of Graz

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14232/suc.2022.3.339-354

Keywords:

Claudian’s Carmina Maiora, Bellum Geticum, ‘Argonautica- Syncrisis’, praise, panegyric epics, similes, syncriseis, intertextuality

Abstract

Techniques of praise in Claudian’s panegyric epics have been broadly debated. Similes and comparisons are an essential part of the concept of his poems. Comparative elements may influence the characterization as well as the praise of the addressees and have so far only been briefly discussed. This paper addresses on the proem of Bellum Geticum, the so-called ‘Argonautica- Syncrisis’. It aims to look at the techniques of depiction and praise through this passage, where Claudian takes up the myth of the Argonauts to illustrate and exaggerate the character traits and deeds of his protagonist. Furthermore, whether the myth is used to influence the recipient’s perspective is examined. The primary focus lies on the depiction of Tiphys as the helmsman and conqueror of the Symplegades as well as its impact on the characterization and praise of the protagonist Stilicho.

Author Biography

Nora Kohlhofer, University of Graz

studied Classical Philology (Latin) and History, Social Studies, and Political Education in the teacher training programme at the University of Graz (2014–2019). In May 2019 she graduated with honours (Mag. phil.). Since then, Nora Kohlhofer has been working on her dissertation thesis dealing with maritime-nautical comparative elements in the tension between traditional epic and Claudian’s political-temporal poems. Since December 2020, she is working at the Department of Classics at the University of Graz as a project assistant (prae-doc). Nora Kohlhofer is currently finishing her PhD.

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Published

2023-05-22

How to Cite

Kohlhofer, N. (2023). The Art of Praise in the ‘Argonautica-Syncrisis’ at the Beginning of Claudian’s Bellum Geticum. Sapiens Ubique Civis, 3, 339–354. https://doi.org/10.14232/suc.2022.3.339-354