Matteo Monaco

SUMMARY: Catullus’ carm. 105 could be considered not only a pungent observation on Mamurra’s (mentula) fanciful poetic ambitions and a statement of neoteric poetry. A close analysis of the words used by Catullus shows that the text hints at the topos of the poet’s initiation: the comparison is with Hesiod and Ennius; others words refer to epic poetry and military deeds (Lucretius, Horace, Virgil, Livy, Tacitus). Through antiphrasis Mamurra’s behaviour should so be interpreted as sacrilegious and his act as parodic of those described by great poets and writers.