The Poetry of Phaedrus

1 Course Unit

A survey of the poetry of Phaedrus, who wrote during the reign of Tiberius or shortly thereafter. His poems consist mainly of animal fables in the manner of Aesop. Through regular translation and discussion, students will gain facility with Phaedrus’ poetic style, which is disarmingly simple, and with the esthetic and political interpretation of his work, which is always entertaining, and sometimes challenging. In addition, by reading other examples of Aesopic fables in translation, we will gain some familiarity with Phaedrus’ sources and his influence, which is considerable, as well as with the relation of Aesopic fable to other kinds of animal fable. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit