Neoteric poets

Definition

Neoteric poets were a group of Roman poets during the late Republic, known for their innovative and experimental approach to poetry. They aimed to challenge traditional forms and themes, emphasizing personal expression, brevity, and wit in their work. This movement marked a significant shift in Latin literature during the Golden Age, reflecting broader cultural changes in Roman society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neoteric poets emerged around the 1st century BCE, with Catullus being one of the most well-known figures of this group.
2. They often employed innovative meters and forms, breaking away from the rigid structures that characterized earlier Latin poetry.
3. Neoteric poetry is marked by its focus on personal themes, such as love and individual experience, contrasting with the grand historical themes of earlier poets.
4. This movement reflects a growing trend towards individualism in Roman culture, as poets sought to express their unique voices and perspectives.
5. The neoteric poets significantly influenced later Roman literature, paving the way for more personal and subjective styles in poetry.

Review Questions

• How did neoteric poets differentiate themselves from earlier Roman poets in terms of style and themes?
  • Neoteric poets set themselves apart from earlier Roman poets by adopting a more innovative and experimental style that emphasized personal expression and emotional depth. They favored brevity and wit over grand historical narratives, often exploring intimate themes related to love, friendship, and individual experience. This shift marked a significant evolution in Latin poetry, as neoteric poets embraced new metrics and forms that allowed for greater artistic freedom.
• What impact did the neoteric movement have on the development of Latin literature during the Golden Age?
  • The neoteric movement had a profound impact on the development of Latin literature during the Golden Age by introducing new poetic forms and themes that prioritized personal expression. Their focus on individual experience allowed for a greater variety of voices within Roman poetry, leading to a rich tapestry of literary innovation. The neoterics paved the way for later poets to explore subjective experiences and emotional complexity, moving away from the more traditional epic storytelling that characterized earlier works.
• Evaluate the contributions of Catullus as a neoteric poet and how his work reflects the broader cultural shifts in Roman society at that time.
  • Catullus's contributions as a neoteric poet are pivotal in illustrating the cultural shifts occurring in Roman society during the late Republic. His poetry, characterized by its intense emotional expression and personal subject matter, embodies the move towards individualism and personal reflection. By breaking away from conventional themes and employing innovative metrics, Catullus not only influenced his contemporaries but also established a legacy that would shape future generations of poets. His work reflects a society increasingly interested in personal narratives over traditional heroic tales, signaling a significant transformation in literary values.

Related terms

Catullus: A prominent neoteric poet known for his passionate and personal lyrical poems, often exploring themes of love and friendship.

Elegy: A form of poetry that expresses sorrow or lamentation, often used by neoteric poets to convey emotional depth.

Hellenistic Poetry: The style of poetry influenced by Greek Hellenistic traditions, which shaped the neoteric poets' emphasis on refinement and aesthetic beauty.