Clodia, a midwife ahead of her time

Read these two literary versions about Clodia, an unconventional Roman matron who lived in the 1st century BC., and answer the questions.

1.- In these three poem fragments, comment on the moment of the romantic relationship that is described:

A.- Vivamos, querida Lesbia, y amémonos,

y las habladurías de los viejos puritanos 

nos importen todas un bledo. 

B.- Odio y amo. Tal vez preguntes por qué lo hago.

No lo sé, pero siento que es así y sufro

C.- ¡Adiós, amor! Ya Catulo se mantiene firme:

ya no te cortejará ni te buscará contra tu voluntad.

Pero tú lo sentirás, cuando nadie te corteje.

¡Malvada, ay de ti! ¡Qué vida te espera! 

2.- Answer:

a. Who is the author of the verses?

b. Who is the target audience? 

c. Which poetess does the pseudonym refer to? Make a brief review of it.

d. What would the real woman he was hiding look like?

3.- The poet does not believe in conventions; however, he does not accept that a woman would abandon him. Look up the verses that demonstrate both contradictory positions.

4.- The above fragments of poetry were addressed to Clodia, a beautiful, well-positioned, intelligent Roman matron, but ahead of her time. Now read the excerpt from a short historical novel in which Clodia is the main character and answer the questions posed.

If you had ever loved me, as you swore so many times, you would not attack me in your verses... The one who loves does not insult, nor vilify, nor seeks to do harm, even when he is no longer corresponded...

I was born free, in case you don't remember. And there are no laws to force me to love. I am the owner of my feelings and my actions and I will not give up managing them as I please.

[Our own translation from: Isabel Barceló. La muchacha de Catulo, p. 53]

a.  What kind of love does Clodia defend?

b.  Would her words still be valid today? Justify your answer.

c.  Does her life have anything to do with the exemplary model of the univira, domiseda and lanifica matron? Give reasons for your answer.