Horace and Iambos: a literary study of the sexual vocabulary, imagery, and metaphors in the Epodes

Baker, Lee George (2025) Horace and Iambos: a literary study of the sexual vocabulary, imagery, and metaphors in the Epodes. MPhil(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis examines the use of sexual language, imagery, and metaphors in Horace's Epodes, highlighting how these elements play a role in his refashioning of the iambic genre. By exploring Horace's incorporation of Archaic iambic traditions from poets like Archilochus and Hipponax, along with his engagement with earlier Latin poets such as Lucilius and Catullus, this study shows that Horace's use of explicit sexual content goes beyond mere vulgarity. Instead, it serves broader literary aims, including critiques of societal norms, explorations of personal vulnerability, and reflections on the poet's literary identity. Horace's originality is evident in how he merges iambic conventions with a distinctly Roman perspective, giving voices to marginalised figures, especially women, while employing self-ridicule as a tool for personal and poetic self-reflection. Through a layered combination of invective, humour, and self-satire, Horace positions himself as both a successor and an innovator within the iambic tradition, adapting its conventions for a Roman audience while preserving its sharp satirical edge. Ultimately, this thesis argues that Horace creates a distinct space for reflecting on sexuality and literary ambition.

• Item Type: Thesis (MPhil(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: P Language and Literature > PA Classical philology; P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities
• Supervisor's Name: Panayotakis, Professor Costas and Morrison, Professor Andrew
• Date of Award: 2025
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2025-84869
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 07 Feb 2025 14:24
• Last Modified: 07 Feb 2025 14:24
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.84869
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/84869