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FACT FILE:
Title: The Satyricon
Author: Gaius Petronius (~27-66)
Written: ~61AD
Published: 1668 AD
Genre: Satire/humour
Chapters: 1-26
Section examples: Trimalchio's cena, Adventures of Encolpius, Affairs of Crotona
The author of the Satyricon - Gaius Petronius - was not only an the first novelist but also advisor to emperor Nero in
matters of elegance and opulence, his title being ARBITER ELEGANTIAE. His lifestyle mainly revolved around that of a nocturnal
animal, sleeping throughout the day and attending parties and banquets at night, which of course was a career move.
Petronius is remembered in the ancient word as lacking moral boundaries, confident, egotistical in ways not to mention
quite moody. His attitude and conversation techniques as well as his love for freedom and literature characterise him within
the ancient world.
The uniqueness and the sheer brilliance of the Styricon itself, allows it to truly stand out as a piece of literature.
There is a very wide range of people and of situations which are addressed in the satirical novel, which gives it an edge
over other texts. The ability for the common person to relate to it and grasp the humorous concepts is important in its success.
Though to have been penned by the hilarious Petronius in approximately 61AD the novel was only first printed in mid seventeenth
century. only fragments of the original text remain, however these give a solid idea of the feel of the piece. One of the
most intriguing things about the novel itself, written by Petronius is the use of characters to model the opinions of the
community and different groups of people in their entirety. This technique does not simply state the opinion of the author
himself, but uses the humour and the satirical nature of the text to imply his opinions in a subtle, yet fairly readable manner.
Continuation of Millionaire's Dinner Party Excerpts...
'"Tamen abiit ad plures. Medici illum perdiderunt, immo magis malus fatus; medicus enim nihil aliud est quam animi consolatio.
Tamen bene elatus est, vitali lecto, stragulis bonis. Planctus est optime--manu misit aliquot--etiam si maligne illum ploravit
uxor. Quid si non illam optime accepisset? Sed mulier quae mulier milvinum genus. Neminem nihil boni facere oportet; aeque
est enim ac si in puteum conicias. Sed antiquus amor cancer est."
Translation: '"Nevertheless he has joined the majority. The doctors killed him,--or rather his day was come; the very
best of doctors is only a satisfaction to the mind. Anyhow he was handsomely buried, on his own best bed, with good blankets.
The wailing was first class,--he did a trifle of manumission before he died; though no doubt his wife's tears were a bit forced.
A pity he always treated her so well. But woman! woman's of the kite kind. No man ought ever to do 'em a good turn; just as
well pitch it in the well at once. Old love's an eating sore!"'
This particular passage is taken from the original Satyricon, written by Petronius. The excerpt comes from the conversation
which the guests are having at Trimalchio's splendid dinner (cena). The man who is speaking, tells of the plight of his friend,
who passed away due to sickness and advice from his doctors. However, what is most interesting is his commentary on the man's
wife, who he accuses of being unkind and not loving him enough, simply because she didn't "appear" to be crying
sincerely at his funeral. He then goes on to insult women and to discourage love in its entirety. This is of course a humorous
story and in a way satirical, which means that these things are meant to be taken light heartedly, however, for this to be
funny, there must have been some truth in it. This shows the opinion held of women in a social situation by Roman men.
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