Table of Contents
Horace Epistle 1 Questions and Answers
Q. 1. How many epistles would you come across in Book I? To whom is the 1st Epistle of Epistle I of Book I addressed? What is the subject of this Epistle?
Ans. Book 1 contains 20 Epistles.
The 1s Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is dedicated to Maecenas, Horace’s patron. It is written on the Importance of Philosophy. Horace uses language equally applicable to magic, quasi-medical formulas and to philosophy.
Q. 2. What do you know of Horace in Epistles Book I?
Ans. “To this day no other poet has given me the same artistic delight that a Horatian ode gave me from the first” said Nietzsche. Horace in his Epistle – I says that the first rule of virtue is to avoid vice, “that is, not be involved in any bad thing or activity”. Of wisdom, he says that one should always “get ride off fully”, that is, not to make any fault or mistake or wrong. Therefore if one shuns badness and does not do any foolish thing, he will be a sensible man who is next to God. The question of virtue and wisdom is related to moral philosophy.
3. What is the first rule of virtue and what is the first rule of wisdom?
Ans. Horace in his Epistle I says that the first rule of virtue is to avoid vice, “that is, not be involved in any bad thing or activity”. Of wisdom, he says that one should always “get ride off fully”, that is, not to make any fault or mistake or wrong. Therefore, shuns badness and does not do any foolish thing, he will be a sensible man who is next to God. The question of virtue and wisdom is related to moral philosophy .
4 What does Horace say about a long day, a long night and a year?
Ans. Horace in his Epistle – I talks about a long night, a long day and a year He says for a man it seems that the night is very long as and when his girlfriend does not keep the cherished word or vow. For those who engage labour, the day must be prolonged for the orphan boys, the year is very long. But Horace says as for himself all time is boring and disappointing.
Q. 5. How does Horace describe “sensible men” at the end of his Epistle?
Ans. Horace at the end of his Epistle – I defines a “sensible man” in this way A sensible man” for Horace is only next to Jove, the Supreme God. A “sensible man” enjoys complete freedom, he contemplates before doing things, he is good-looking, and may be regarded as the king of kings. Apart from all these things, he is robust on vigorous, if he is not inflicted with a cursed cold. he
5 What would be the causes of laugh of the Romans to see Horace?
Ans. Horace in his Epistle – I projects an imaginary situation where the Romans would only laugh to see the peculiar haircut from an “uneven barber”. They would also laugh, Horace thinks, to see the filthy inner attire under his magnificent coat or to see his toga off-centre or shabbily turned up. But Horace laments that they would never laugh to see the mind which is chaotic and which mars the whole life. Rather, they would hold that he is all right.
Q.7. What is the name of the subject that Horace left and what is the name of the subject that he undertook?
Ans. Horace, in his Epistle, Book I, left the subject of lyric poetry and undertook the subject of philosophy.Horace begins by demonstrating, in the manner of the Store philosophers, the merit of Homer as a teacher of morals. The poet says that men will take more trouble for bad deeds than for good, and more for the body than the mind. Yet, without contentment and peace of mind, material acquisitions cannot be enjoyed. Avarice and envy are always beggars, and remorse comes after anger. Youth is the time to learn self-control. He shall always adhere to the philosophy of moderation.
Q. 8. Briefly summarise Horace’s statement on an independent spirit from his Epistle VII, Book I?
Ans. Epistle VII can be correctly defined as the definition of an independent spirit. It is addressed to Maecenas, his patron.
Horace excuses himself to Maecenas for not keeping his promise to come to Rome, on the ground that it would be dangerous to his health. He feels that this reason will satisfy Maecenas, as being a friend who has always had a sincere regard for his welfare. The poet says that if Maecenas would want him to always be at Rome, then Horace must have back his health and youth. He must be free, even if freedom costs him the loss of all Maecena’s’ favors. Horace would give back all, as Telemachus refused the horses which were unsuited to his poor and rocky island. He refers to the story of Volteius Mena and his patron L. Marcius Philippus, with an implied allusion to the relationship between Horace and Maecenas. The attainment of our wishes does not always make us happy.
Q.9. What, according to Horace, the advantages of country life are as mentioned in his Epistle X, Book I?
Ans. Epistle X can be correctly defined as the idealisation of country life. It is addressed to AristiusFuscus. Here the poet mention the advantages of Country Life This epistle begins with Horace contrasting his own love of the country with his friend’s fondness for the town; then follows the praise of Nature; and finally the poet dwells on the superior happiness that moderate means and contentment afford, compared with riches and ambition.
Q. 10. What is the concluding suggestion in Horace’s Epistles Book I?
Ans. Epistle XX can be correctly defined as its Epilogue. It is addressed to His Book quite confidently.
Horace warns his book of Epistles of the fate that attends publishing. He compares it to a young and beautiful slave, and foretells its destiny. He suggests that private viewings are boring and therefore his book needs public exposure. He talks about success until it falls into the hands of the vulgar; Banishment to the provinces, an old age spent in schools..
11 How many epistles would you come across in Book I? To whom is the 1″ Epistle of Epistle Iof Book laddressed? What is the subject of this Epistle? Book 1 contains 20 Epistles.
The 1 Epistle of Epistle 1 of Book I is dedicated to Maecenas, Horace’s patron. written on the Importance of Philosophy.Horace uses language equally applicable magic, quasi-medical formulas and to philosophy.
12 “I slip quietly back to the rules of Aristippus”. Who is Aristippus? Why does the speaker slipquietly back to the rules of Aristippus”?
Aristippus is a fourth-century philosopher from Cyrene in which preached a doctrine of hedonism.
North Africa, founder of the so-called Cyrenaic school, The speaker asserts himself as a man of action and he plunges into civic affairs, doing his highest duty with stern and dauntless devotion. He wishes to attempt to induce things to conform to him.
13. What does Horace say in II 1-19 in the 1ª Epistle of Epistle – I of Book – I?
Ans. Horace excuses himself to Maecenas for giving up the composition of lyric poetry, but he is better suited to philosophy as he grows older. However, he is not bound to any particular philosophic school.
14. What does Horace in II 20-40 in the 1″ Epistle of Epistle – I of Book –
Ans. Horae says that wisdom is the true business of life; yet most of us must be content with but a moderate share of it: wisdom too is the only power which can tame our passions.
Q15. What does Horace say in 11 70-93 in the 1st Epistle of Epistle – I of Book – I?
Ans. Horace says that he cannot follow the popular ideas, because he sees that they all tend one way – namely, to money-making. Besides, not only do men differ from one another in their pursuits, but no man is ever consistent with himself.
Q. 16. What does Horace say in 11 94-108 IN the 1st Epistle of Epistle – I of Book – I?
Ans. Horace says that external inconsistencies are noticed at once, while those of life and practice are passed over. This epistle ends with a joke on the Stoic doctrine of the perfect man.
Q17. To whom the 2nd Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed? What is the subject of this Epistle?
Ans. The 2nd Epistle of Epistle – 1 or Book – Lis addressed to Lollius Maximus. It is written on “Homer The Teacher of True Philosophy”.
Q. 18. What does Horace say in ll 1-31 in the 2nd Epistle of Epistle of Epistle-I of Book – I?
Ans. Horace begins by demonstrating, in the manner of the Stoic philosophers, the merit of Homer as a teacher of morals.
Q.19. What does Horace say in 11 32-71 in the 2nd Epistle of Epistle of Epistle-I of Book – I?
Ans. Horace says that men will take more trouble for bad deeds than for good. And material acquisitions cannot be enjoyed. Avarice and envy are always beggars, more for the body than the mind. Yet, without contentment and peace of mind and remorse comes anger. Youth is the time to learn self-control. He shall always adhere to the philosophy of moderation.
Q.20. To whom the 3rd Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed? What is the subject of this Epistle?
Ans. The 3rd Epistle of Epistle-I of Book -I is addressed to Julius Florus. After inquiring about Claudius Tiberius Nero, and some of his friends, he exhorts Florus to the study of philosophy.
Q.21. What does Horace say to Julius Florus in the 2nd Epistle of Epistle – I of Book – I?
Ans. Horace addressed the epistle to Julius Florus, who was serving on the staff of Tiberius Claudius Nero. The letter consists mainly of inquiries and observations as to the literary pursuits of members of the staff; and concludes with a hope that the quarrel between Florus and Munatius has ended in a reconciliation.
Q.22. What does Horace say to Albius Tibullus in the 4th Epistle of Epistle – I of Book I?
Ans. Horace urges his friend, Albius Tibullus, to enjoy each passing hour, and suggests that a visit to his Sabine Farm may divert him.
Q.. To whom the 4th Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed? What is the subject of this Epistle?
Ans. The 4th Epistle of Epistle-I of Book -I is addressed to Albius Tibullus, the Elegiac poet.
Horace declares his accomplishments; and, after proposing the thought of death, converts it into an occasion of pleasantry.
Q.23. To whom the 5th Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed? What is the subject of this Epistle?
Ans. The 5th Epistle of Epistle – I of Book – I is addressed to Manlius Torquatus, to whom Horace also wrote Ode IV.7.
He invites him to a frugal entertainment, but a cleanly and cheerful one.
24 What does Horace say to Manlius Torquatus in the 5th Epistle of Epistle-I of Book – I?
Horace invites his friend, Manlius Torquatus, to dinner – Tomorrow is a holiday and Torquatus may well forget his occupations for a time. Horace then extols the virtues of wine; and describes the preparations he is making for the banquet.
25 To whom the 6th Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed? What is the subject of this Epistle?
The 6th Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed to Numicius. It is written on “Philosophic Indifference”.
26. What does Horace say to Numicius in the 6th Epistle of Epistle – I of Book – I?
Horace says that Equanimity is happiness – Fear and desire alike disturb our peace of mind. Numicius will find this maxim true if he seeks the chief good in any other pursuit – 1) in riches, 2) in political honors, 3) in sumptuous living, or 4) in love and trifling.
0.27. To whom the 7th Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed? What is the subject of this Epistle?
Ans. The 7th Epistle of Epistle – I of Book – I is addressed to Maecenas, Horace’s patron. Horace apologizes to Maecenas for his long absence from Rome; and acknowledges his favours to him in such a manner as to declare liberty preferable to all other blessings.
Q.28. What does Horace say in 111-24 in the 7th Epistle of Epistle – 1 of Book – I?
Ans. Horace excuses himself to Maecenas for not keeping his promise to come to Rome, on the ground that it would be dangerous to his health. He feels that this reason will satisfy Maecenas, as being a friend who has always had a sincere regard for his welfare.
Q.29. What does Horace say in Il 25-45 in the 7th Epistle of Epistle – I of Book – I?
Ans. Horace says if Maecenas would want him to always be at Rome, then Horace must have back hius health and youth. He must be free, even if freedom costs him the loss of all Maecenas’ favours. Horace would give back all, as Telemachus refused the horses which were unsuited to his poor and rocky island.
Q.30. What does Horace say in 1l 46-95 in the 7th Epistle of Epistle – I of Book – I?
Ans. Here the story of Volteius Mena and his patron L. Marcius Philippus, with an implied allusion to the relationship between Horace and Maecenas is depicted. Horace comments that the attainment of our wishes does not always make us happy.
Q.31. What do you mean by the term ‘Muse’?
Ans. In Greek and Roman mythology each of nine goddesses, the daughters of Zeus! and Mnemosyne who preside over the arts and sciences.
32 Who is addressed to in Horace’s Epistle viii of Book I?
Horace’s Epistle VIII, Book I,isaddressed to CelsusAlbinovanus who was a member of Nero’s court. He was on the staff of Tiberius.
Q.33. Who is Celsus in Horace’s Epistle viii of Book I?
Ans. Horace’s Epistle VIII, Book I, isaddressed to CelsusAlbinovanus who was a member of Nero’s court. the subject
Q.34. Locate and annotate: “be sure to drop this advice in his ear…“
Ans. The quoted line is taken from Horace’ Epistle viii of Book I. It is an instance of a medical metaphor.
Q.35. To whom the 8th Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed? What is the subject of this Epistle?
Ans. The 8th Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed to CelsusAlbinovanus, who was serving on the staff of Tiberius in the province of Asia.
That he was neither well in body, nor in mind; that Celtics should bear his prosperity with moderation.
Q.36. What does Horace say in the 8th Epistle of Epistle I of Book – I?
Ans. This letter seems to be a reply. Horace speaks of his own fickleness and discontent, and gently recommends moderation to Celsus in prosperity.
Q.37. Who is addressed to in Horace’s Epistle IX of Book I?
Ans. Horace’s Epistle IX, Book I,is addressed to Claudius, the future emperor Tiberius ,Tiberius Claudius Nero, Horace recommends his friend Septimius to Tiberius. Such letters of commendation were common among Romans of the time.
Q.38. Why did Horace recommend Septimus to Claudius in Epistle IX of Book I?
Ans. Horace’s Epistle IX, Book I, is addressed to Claudius, the future emperor Tiberius. Horace recommends his friend Septimius to as the latter knows his own capabilities better than the poet himself. In order to avoid the reproach of a greater fault, have descended (into the arena) to (seek) the rewards of the city slicker’s suave effrontery. But if you approve of modesty being set aside, on account of the biddings of a friend, enrol this (man) among your retinue, and believe (him to be) brave and good.
Q.39. To whom the 9th Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed? What is the subject of this Epistle?
Ans. The 9th Epistle of Epistle – I of Book- I is addressed to Claudius Tiberius Nero. He recommends Septimius to him.
Q.40. What does Horace say in the 9th Epistle of Epistle – I of Book – I?
Ans. This letter is written to the future emperor Tiberius, in behalf of TitiusSeptimius, to whom Ode II. 6 is addressed.
41 .To whom the 10th Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed? What is the subject of this Epistle?
Ans. The 10th Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed to Aristius Fuscus.Here Horace praises a country before a city life, as more agreeable to nature, and friendlier to liberty.
42 What does Horace say in the 10th Epistle of Epistle-I of Book – I?
Ans. This Epistle begins with Horace contrasting his own love of the country with his friend’s fondness for the town; then follows the praise of Nature; and finally the poet dwells on the superior happiness that moderate means and contentment afford, compared with riches and ambition.
Q.43. Who is addressed to in Horace’s Epistle X of Book I?
Ans. Horace’s Epistle IX, Book I, is addressed to Fuscus.
Q.44. Locate and annotate: “all good wishes to Fuscus, a man fond of the city, from one who is fond of the country”
Ans. The quoted line is taken from Horace’ Epistle X of Book I. It is an instance of a medical metaphor.
Horace writes these to AristiusFuscus. In praising the country as a superior abode to the city, Horace explains to an old companion, who loves the city, the grounds for his preference, and, in doing so, he paints in masterly colours the innocence, the simplicity, and the calm repose of a country life.
Q.45. To whom the 11th Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed? What is the subject of this Epistle?
Ans. The 11th Epistle of Epistle I of Book I is addressed to Bullatius. Endeavoring to recall him back to Rome from Asia, whither he had retreated through his weariness of the evil wars, Horace advises him to ease the disquietude of his mind not by the length of his journey, but by forming his mind into a right disposition.
Q.46. What does Horace say in the 11th Epistle of Epistle – I of Book – I?
Ans. Horace addresses this Epistle to Bullatius who is travelling to lonia. He comments that change of scene does not alter the mind. If the mind is tranquil, the meanest and least interesting of places seem agreeable.
Q.47. What does Horace say in the 12th Epistle of Epistle – I of Book – I?
Ans. Horace advises Iccius, who is now steward of Agrippa’s property in Sicily, to be content, and compliments him on pursuing the study of philosophy. Hre then encourages him to cultivate the friendship of PompeiusGrosphus, and tells him the news at Rome.
Q.48. Who is Agrippa?
Ans. M. Vipsanius Agrippa (born c. 64BC), Augustus’ general and admiral, who in 21 BC was married to the emperor’s daughter Julia.
Q.49. Who is Democritus?
Ans. Democritus of Abdera in Thrace (c. 460-c. 370 BC). A man of powerful and wide. ranging intellect, he was one of the pioneers of the atomic theory, which was taken over by Epicurus. This is the kind of story that tends to be associated with philosophers.
Q.50. Who is Empedocles?
Ans. A thinker from Acragas in Sicily, who died c. 443 BC at the age of about sixty. He wrote an important work in hexameters On Nature.
Q.51. Who is Stertinius?
A Stoic philosopher; in Satires II. He is represented contemporary of Horace, though somewhat older. as a
Q.52. What is Cantabria?
Ans. The Cantabri, a tribe in northern Spain, were finally defeated by Agrippa in 19 BC, but Horace may be referring to a campaign of the previous year.
Q.53. What is Armenia?
Ans. In 20 BC Tiberius installed Tigranes on the throne of Armenia without any opposition, but the episode was represented on coins and elsewhere as a military victory.
Phraates: King of Parthia; in 20 BC he returned to the Romans the standards which had been captured from Crassus at Carrhae in 53 BC. He was induced to do so by the return of his son, who had been kidnapped by his rival Tiridates five years before. Augustan propaganda made much of this diplomatic success.
Q.54. “golden Plenty….brimming horn. Explain
Ans. The cornucopia figured in numerous works of art as a symbol of abundance. I have translated defudit (which implies that the harvest is over) rather than defundit.
Q.55. What is Vinnius?
Ans. A well-known strong man called Vinnius Valens was a centurion in Augustus praetorian guard.
Q.56. What is meant by “use your strength … bog”?
Ans. The most natural assumption would be that Augustus was somewhere in Italy rather than in Rome or overseas. But in view of the comic nature of the epistle one cannot be sure.
Q.57. What is Pirria?
Ans. According to the pseudo-Acron, Horace is referring to av servant-girl in a comedy by Titinus, who was writing in the middle of the second century BC. There is doubt, however, about the form of the name.
Q.55. What is Phaeacian?
Ans. A member of the carefree and indolent community described in Odyssey 7 and 8,
EPISTLE XVI
to in Horace’s Epistle XVIII of Book I?
Qns. Horace’s Epistle XVI. Book I is addressed to Quinctius. He is a successful young man, perhaps identical with QuinctiusHirpinus, in Odes II
Q.57. What is meant by “May Jove…the people’s’?
Ans. The lines are said by the scholiasts to come from a panegyric on Augustus by I Varius Rufus, the friend of Horace and Virgil
Q.58. Pentheus, lord of Thebes…. I’ll die. Explain.
Ans. These lines are ultimately based on Euripides. Bacchae 492-8, but the direct ancestor may be the Roman Pacuvius Pentheus, written in the second century BC
Q.59. What is meant by “Death is the end of the race”?
Ans. This is Horace’s allegorical interpretation In Euripides the speaker (who, unknown to Penthous, is the god Dionysus) means that he will be set free from jail
Q.60. What is meant by Gauche?
Ans. Gauche is the Latin name is Scaeva (left hand). The appropriateness of the name to the subject would seem to justify this translation. The individual himself is unknown.
Q.61. Who is Aristippus?
Ans. Born c. 435 BC in Cyrene in North Africa; he preached a doctrine of hedonism. It is a matter of debate whether he or his grandson should rightly be thought of as the founder of the Cyrenaic school.
Q.62. What is meant by Double rag?
Ans. Instead of wearing a tunic underneath, the Cynics doubled the cloak. The scholiasts recount that one day, when leaving the baths, Aristippus put on Diogenes’ cloak, leaving his own crimson one for Diogenes. The latter refused to put it on and demanded his own back. Aristippus then remonstrated with him for being a poseur: ‘You’d sooner freeze than be seen in a crimson garment.’
Q.63. What is meant by Miletus?
Ans. The most southerly of the great Ionian cities of Asia Minor. It was famous for its wool.
Q.64. Explain: ‘Not every man …to Corinth’.
Ans. This is a rendering of a Greek proverb, meaning ‘The highest prizes are reserved for the lucky few.’ The original context had to do ithLais and other expensive Corinthian courtesans. Here the remark comes from an imaginary objector, who implies that finding favour with the great (as Horace did) is wholly a matter of luck.
Q.65. Who is addressed to in Horace’s Epistle XVIII of Book I?
Ans. Horace’s Epistle XVIII, Book I is addressed to Lollius Maximum. He clearly belonged to a well-to-do family.
***************************************
READ MORE…..
The Pot of Gold Questions and Answers
The Pot of Gold Summary by Platus
Oedipus the King Questions and Answers
Oedipus the King Summary and Analysis
Horace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and Answers
Horace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and Answers
Horace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and Answers
Horace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and AnswersHorace Epistle 1 Questions and Answers
Share now