Sherine Soliman November 27
th
, 2013
Catallus 64
1. Theseus abandons and betrays Ariadne // Man abandons woman:
! Modern readers would be familiar with this theme; pop culture and mainstream
media today contain several examples of men jilting women, and the subsequent
pain and anger felt by the women involved. Men are often depicted as the party that
wishes to avoid commitment in a relationship (and backs out at any sight of it) and
women are often seen as the party that wants to be serious, abruptly so. For instance,
in Charles Dickens Great Expectations, Miss Havishams fiance uses her for
money then abandons her. In the same way, Theseus accepts Ariadnes help and
then deserts her on the island.
! Modern readers would understand Ariadnes fury and her desire for revenge as so
much of todays film, music, and literature depict women as manipulative creatures,
particularly when they face rejection or betrayal in romantic affairs. Hence the well-
known phrase, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
2. Whether it be in a platonic or romantic context, most readers today would relate with the
concept of unrequited affection. Most of us at one point have been in some sort of
relationship where we feel as though we give and devote much more than we receive. In
a sense, the to-love-for-the-sake-of-love-alone or value-yourself-enough-to-have-
standards is a timeless dilemma. In Ariadnes case, readers would sympathize and
understand her pain, having been in similar situations.
3. Catallus highlights a significant obstacle to marriage, or in a more general sense, to
relationships; he emphasizes that Thetis and Peleus marriage was approved by Jupiter,
the king of the Gods. He also makes a point to write about Ariadnes family, who she has
left and deserted for Theseus, and who would certainly not approve of the object of her
affecton. Modern readers would identify with this obstacle, as so many of our
relationships today still depend so heavily on receiving approval from others, from
dear friends and family (society), but also sometimes from God (divinity).
4. The concept of karma, one that modern readers are well acquainted with, also appears in
the poem. Theseus thoughtlessness and poor treatment of Ariadne eventually ends in his
fathers death, which causes him great grief. Growing up, were so often taught that good
things happen to good people, that were invincible in a sense and get a free pass to
happiness and good luck if we do good things. Eventually, we realize that it doesnt
always work out that way and that this life can be harsh and miserable for even the
kindest souls. I think todays readers would appreciate what happens to Theseus, the
justice of it all; I think theyd appreciate that in some world, even if its fictional, bad
things happen to bad people.
5. The poem provokes thought over the existence of God or a deity of some sortWhy
can we not see Him? Why doesnt He speak to us? Is it our fault the world is the way it is
or is it a product of some divine fate? Most of us have probably given thought to the
matter at one point or the other, and certainly many of us wonder about the blatant cruelty
and disregard for life and virtue that permeates so much of our world. Catallus writes that
the gods and goddesses no longer come down to earth because of the sin and atrocities
mankind commits there. Its an interesting perspective, one even todays readers would
be intrigued by.
