Roman Philosophy in The Satyricon Jenny Murphy 1

Roman Philosophy in The Satyricon Jenny Murphy, 1 May 2017

Religion and Philosophy - Traditional religion answered few questions about the meaning of life - Emergence of Philosophical Religion - Later blends into Christian Theology - In Petronius’s time, Stoicism and Epicureanism “were the main rivals for hearts and minds” (Ruden 185)

Stoicism - Founded in Athens in 300 BCE by Zeno of Cyprus - Very practical - Teaches that in order “to be virtuous is to live according to the will of God (a monotheistic language was used), which is manifested in nature” (Ruden 185). - Nature is change - One cannot rebel against change - One cannot even hope for positive change--it leads to resentment and disappointment later on - Desire, grief, and joy are true evils, rather than the events that inspire them

Stoicism (continued) - Though “a religion of numbness, ” Stoicism allowed health, well-being, and relationships to be sought - Did not encourage attachment: one could have marry/have a partner and raise a family, as long as he/she did not become too attached to his/her spouse/partner and family, therefore not minding at all if they were lost - Cato the Younger gave away his wife so she could be a “breeder” for another man - Stoics could neither be happy nor unhappy: neutralness - Endure great pain without complaint - Commit suicide as religious act

Seneca the Younger - Roman philosopher - Popularized Stoicism - Would last through the Middle Ages - Is The Satyricon Petronius’s objection to Stoicism, especially Seneca’s writings? - Seneca’s writings very emotional yet colorful--the style not very stoic - Is Trimalchio based on Seneca? - Like Trimalchio, Seneca speaks about the equality of man but makes little action

Petronius and Seneca - Petronius even parodies Seneca beyond writing - Seneca committed suicide rather than face trial - Instead of making a will, Seneca stated that he would leave his friends and loved ones with the memory of himself - Petronius, “instead of a will or solemn benedictions, ” wrote everything he knew and remembered about Nero’s orgies, including names and shameful details, and sent the document to Nero. He also had his wine dipper broken because he knew Nero had been eying it.

Epicureanism - Founded by Athenian philosopher Epicurus - Taught that the goal of life is to be love--companionship, not romantic or erotic love - Kept a garden where men, women, citizens, slaves, and freedmen could enjoy the company of one another - Gods existed, but were distant and indifferent - The purpose of life is to live in the moment and focus on one’s physical being and practical affairs

Epicureanism (continued) - According to Ruden, Petronius “playfully” participated in Epicureanism - For someone like Petronius, he might have misinterpreted Epicurus-- don’t overindulge or strictly moderate - Nowadays, epicurean means someone who seeks physical pleasures, especially food - Epicurus was skeptical towards “learned culture, ” and classified it as an illusion and indulgence that brings no pleasure or happiness to anyone - Is Petronius also parodying Epicureanism?

Conclusion - Petronius seems to have incorporated many of themes, ideas, and beliefs of Nero-ruled Rome - Or, according to Ruden, Petronius has created his own fictional world that possesses its own logic

Works Cited - Balme, Maurice. The Millionaire’s Dinner Party. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1973. Print. - Balme, Maurice, and James Morwood. Oxford Latin Course: Grammar, Exercises, and Context. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2012. Print. - Ruden, Sarah. The Satyricon. Hackett Publishing Inc. , Indianapolis, ID, 2000. Print.

Links to Pictures https: //upload. wikimedia. org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Zeno_of_Citium_pushkin. jpg https: //upload. wikimedia. org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/Epicurus_bust 2. jpg https: //dailystoic. com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/seneca. jpg https: //4. bp. blogspot. com/-y. IYKl 9 d 3 u. MY/T 0 D 4 ru 7 Xt. LI/AAAAAC 0/m. Czq 4 G 84_T 0/s 1600/petronius. jpg https: //upload. wikimedia. org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b 1/0_S%C 3%A 9 n%C 3%A 8 que_-_Mus%C 3%A 9 e_du_Prado__Cat. _144_-_%282%29. JPG/220 px-0_S%C 3%A 9 n%C 3%A 8 que_-_Mus%C 3%A 9 e_du_Prado_-_Cat. _144__%282%29. JPG