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The Satires of Juvenal
280 pages, 2017
Juvenal is the greatest satirist who ever lived. He is also one of the most politically incorrect writers of all time, despite which he is one of the classical authors with the most to offer to contemporary readers.
Juvenal’s descriptions of dictatorship and poverty are compelling. His portrayals of depravity in a teeming ancient city are disturbing—some would say disgustingly—vivid, and his assassinations of character devilishly delicious. His bêtes noirs—unconventional women, opportunistic Greek immigrants, and the Egyptian-born political heavy Crispinus—leap defiantly from the page.
In his later poems, savage indignation is integrated with deeper philosophical insight, culminating in his celebrated Tenth Satire adapted by Dr. Johnson as “The Vanity Of Human Wishes”, and Satire Fifteen, an account of violence in the Middle East which anticipates events today.
Juvenal's Satires offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and social norms of ancient Rome. From the political corruption to the decadence of the wealthy, you'll get a vivid picture of what life was like during this period.
Juvenal doesn't hold back in his critique of the moral decay he saw in Roman society. He takes a hard look at the greed, hypocrisy, and lack of virtue that he believed were rampant. It's a reminder to always strive for integrity and honesty in our own lives.
The Satires of Juvenal is a masterclass in the power of satire as a literary tool. Juvenal uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to make his points, showing us how effective satire can be in critiquing society and sparking change.
Despite being written centuries ago, many of the themes Juvenal explores are still relevant today. Issues like social inequality, political corruption, and moral decay are still prevalent, making this book a timeless read.
Juvenal's use of rhetoric in his satires is nothing short of masterful. He skillfully uses language to persuade, entertain, and inform his readers. If you're interested in the art of persuasion or want to improve your own writing skills, this book is a must-read.
