Atomism in the Aeneid - Physics, Politics, and Cosmological Disorder

Atomism in the Aeneid investigates allusions to Lucretian atomism in descriptions of indecision, violence, and disorder in Virgil's epic. Drawing upon a long tradition of anti-atomist discourse in Greek philosophy, Gorey argues that atomic imagery functions as a metaphor for cosmic and political anarchy in the Aeneid.

List of contents

• Introduction: Lucretian Allusion, Virgilian Allegory


• Chapter 1. Characterizations of Epicurean Atomism


• Chapter 2. Trojans Under the Influence of Atomism (Epic Winners)


• Chapter 3. Non-Trojans Under the Influence of Atomism (Epic Losers)


• Chapter 4. Turnus and the End of the Epicurean World


• Chapter 5. Atomism And The Worldview of the Aeneid


• Bibliography


• Index

About the author

Matthew M. Gorey is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Wabash College.

Summary

Atomism in the Aeneid investigates allusions to Lucretian atomism in descriptions of indecision, violence, and disorder in Virgil's epic. Drawing upon a long tradition of anti-atomist discourse in Greek philosophy, Gorey argues that atomic imagery functions as a metaphor for cosmic and political anarchy in the Aeneid.

Additional text

The book is well laid out and easy to read.

Product details

• Authors: Matthew M Gorey, Matthew M. Gorey, Matthew M. (Visiting Assistant Professor Gorey
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 04.08.2021
• EAN: 9780197518748
• ISBN: 978-0-19-751874-8
• No. of pages: 184
• Subjects: Fiction > Poetry, drama; Latin, LITERARY CRITICISM / Ancient & Classical, PHILOSOPHY / History & Surveys / Ancient & Classical, POETRY / Ancient & Classical, Classical texts, Literary studies: classical, early & medieval, Literary studies: poetry & poets, Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval, Literary studies: poetry and poets, Ancient Greek and Roman literature