Foedera Naturae : a discussion of natural limits in selected odes of Horace and Seneca's Medea
Date
1997
Authors
Beringer, Alison Laura Patrice
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The goal of this thesis is to explore the theme of natural limit in selected odes of Horace and in Seneca's Medea. It becomes obvious that these works have a particular relationship to each other, a study of which forms the latter part of the thesis.
In the Introductory Chapter the concept of natural limit in Greek and Roman mythology and philosophy is examined. A brief study shows that the theme appears in post-classical and modern works as well, though critics have varied widely in their treatment of it. In particular since the movement of the 1960s towards environmental awareness, the theme is beginning to receive the renewed attention of literary scholars.
Chapter Two concentrates on the Horatian material, beginning with a close study of ode 1.3., and an overview of previous interpretations. This section then expands to include several other odes. After close examination of these, I propose that Horace is depicting Nature as an all-encompassing entity, of which humans are participants not controllers. In several odes, the harmony that results for all participants of Nature when natural limits are respected becomes clear. As the depictions of natural limits in the odes often contain Stoic and Epicurean tenets, the chapter ends with a short discussion of these philosophical schools.
Seneca's tragedies are the basis for Chapter Three, and after a general survey of the terminology used to depict natural limits and their violation, the focus narrows to Medea. Alongside previous interpretations of the play, the theme of natural limit is examined, especially as it is portrayed in the Argonautic odes. In Medea, the transgression against the natural limit of the sea committed by the voyage of the Argonauts is depicted as a source of further violations, including those within human society. The ultimate destruction to which violation of natural limits can lead is fully portrayed at the end of Medea. Seneca emphasizes that human civilization contains its own downfall.
Seneca portrays humankind's transgressions against natural limits more violently than does Horace. Yet he frequently alludes to Horace, and the study of these allusions is the subject of Chapter Four. Against a background of the literary theory prevalent in the first centuries B.C. and A.D., his practice of allusion is examined. Though ancient literary theory is predominantly used, some modern theory is considered, particularly in reference to issues of tradition and originality. The concentration of the chapter, however, lies on the texts themselves and to a large extent on Seneca's use of ode 1.3. It becomes clear that Seneca uses the Horatian material in a manner that emphasizes the hubristic audacia of humans who transgress natural limits.
The concluding remarks summarize Horace and Seneca's treatment of the theme of natural limit. Despite the difference In genres, these works have a clear relationship to each other. Familiarity with the selected odes of Horace adds significantly to the interpretation of Seneca's Medea.