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

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.