Essay on Livy's Portrayal of Early Women in Ancient Rome: Weak, Used as Tools, and Always Stimulating Men

1. Compare Livy's descriptions of various early women in Ancient Rome, including Rhea Silva, the Sabine women, Tarpeia, and Lucretia. How are they portrayed? What are events do they experience or take part in? What roles do they play in the stories? Why did Livy portray them this way?

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Livy's description of women in his first book shows how weak women are and only used as tools to stimulate the actions of men. Although Livy brings in prominent names in the books, the whole presentation shows women as being subordinates. It is said that women in Livy's books are victims of rape and are only silenced to remain silent. It is evident in (Livius, 1905 p7) that Rhea Silva, Lucretia, and the Sabine women were victims of rape and abduction, an action which only undermines women but also steals the courage in the women, making them incapable of doing anything productive about their life. As Livy progresses, a different story and perception can be drawn from the oppression that women are subjected to.

To begin with, when Lucretia kills herself in her father's hands (Livius, 1905, p32), a message is sent on what role women play, leading to a revolution. In Livy's second book, women do not fear death and play a pivotal role in showing their oppressors that the oppression nailed on them is unfair. Women are also historic patriots who would leave nothing behind than have their people free and deserving of better treatment. The Sabine women also prove to be helpful in the war (Livius, 1905, p11), the same way Rhea Silva and Tarpea, who laid the foundation of better leadership in Rome. Livy portrays women as instruments in society playing different roles to show how morality is shaped to build a nation.

2. What is Catullus' problem?! Why is he using such abusive language? How does this relate to Roman conceptions of masculinity? How does this compare to Ovid's comments of manliness in the "Are Amatoria"?

Catullus expresses his hatred of women's public culture, who think that he is soft in his poems. He expressly drives a message to them to understand his point (Catullus 343). He tries using an abusive language such as 'bitch' to portray the image of women in society further. Typically, Catallus tries to show women as being of loose morals who need to be forced to do things right. He further points out that his message is also directed to the youth and grown men who need to be forced to get his message. Catullus's words relate to the roman concepts of masculinity as he tries to bring out light on the women to understand their role and not let dominance of the men take over. Additionally, his poem can be compared to Ovid's comments of manliness in the ''Ar Amatoria'' as being similar since, in both, the central point shown is the role of men and women in society (Catullus 18). It is worth noting that both Catullus and Ovid are not for the idea that one group is dominant over the other or on given priorities than the other.

3. How does Ovid deal with the concept of homosexuality?

Ovid does not approve of homosexuality at all. According to Ovid, in a homosexual relationship, one partner becomes a victim of the other individuals' behavior, which only makes it more subordinating. He advocates for heterosexuality with the insistence that such a relationship brings equal measures of pleasure since both men and women involved enjoy it (Catullus 20). He further refutes homosexuality as not an inclusive art of love as his writing was centered. This further points out that Ovid dealt with the issue of homosexuality as being modernized, which he chose to do away with by neglecting verses that had such contents.

References

Catullus Valerius Gaius (2011,). Gaius Catullus. 9 -20

Livius, T. (1905). The History of Rome, Books 1-45. London: J. M. Dent & Sons, Ltd.