Abstract
This paper examines how Statius situates himself and his poetry amid the social complexities oj Domitianic Rome, focusing on Silvae 3.5 and 4.4. Both poems offer carefully constructed recusationes that expose Statius’ deep ambivalence toward his public poetic role as a writer of epic and panegyric, and his persona in these poems is analogous to that of Horace in the first book of Epistles. Though Statius desires public renown and in 4.4 shows how his public and private poetry are complexly interconnected, his essentially private nature precludes him from taking on the most public and potentially dangerous topic of epic song: the emperor Domitian.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
