Extra credit Horace Ode 1.37 test

The dedications at the beginnings of Horace and Catullus's books are very different. Horace's dedication is a noble act of praise to a man he holds in high regard. He Tells Macenas that he is descended from royal ancestors and he gives him his defense. A very serious and grand dedication.

While Catullus does the exact opposite. He dedicates his book to his friend Cornelius who is a historian who pours over maps. He praises Cornelius throughout and seems to belittle his own book but it is obvious what Catullus is doing. He is being sarcastic and mocking his friend for wasting his time while Catullus has fun. It shows that Catullus is nothing like Horace or Cornelius who write of great people throughout history. Catullus just wants to write about his activities of the day or about his girlfriend.