The Wrath of Theodosius as a Stormy Sea Images of the Sea and Sailing in Claudian (carm. min. 30, 134–139)

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Lisa Longoni

Abstract

The focus of the paper is an episode of the Laus Serenae (carm. min. 30, 134–139) in which Claudian pictures the wrath of the emperor Theodosius, which is calmed by his niece Serena. The aim is to demonstrate that the way Claudian depicts Theodosius evokes the image of the stormy sea, whereas Serena represents the only rock capable of withstanding him. This produces a strong image, frequently used in literature, which can seriously impact the audience and communicate the propagandistic message hidden in these verses more powerfully. This proposal is based on some characteristic features of Claudian poetry, such as his descriptions rich in evidentia, the allusions he made exploiting words with wide semantic fields, and especially his penchant for aquatic imagery, exploited with different purposes. Indeed, these aquatic images, whatever their primary role, often achieve the result of making the narrative more vivid.

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How to Cite
Longoni, L. (2024). The Wrath of Theodosius as a Stormy Sea: Images of the Sea and Sailing in Claudian (carm. min. 30, 134–139). Sapiens Ubique Civis, 5, 387–403. https://doi.org/10.14232/suc.2024.5.387-403
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Author Biography

Lisa Longoni, University of Genova

is a PhD student in classical philology at the University of Genova, where she graduated in 2019 with a thesis on Apuleius’ Florida. Her research interests are in Latin philology and literature. She is currently working on a new edition, with Italian translation and commentary, of Claudian’s Laus Serenae (carm. min. 30).