Aratus Criticism
Aratus of Soli (c. 315-240 B.C.) was a Greek poet celebrated for his didactic poem, Phaenomena, written around 270 B.C. This work, one of the most notable in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, is known for its invocation to Zeus and its exploration of divine order through astronomy. It primarily identifies constellations and shares associated myths, integrating Stoic themes and a structure influenced by Eudoxius of Cnidus, as noted in Other Poets: Aratus. The second part, Diosemeia, focuses on ancient weather forecasting, as observed in The Popularity of Aratus. Aratus's biography is sparse but includes associations with the Stoic philosopher Zeno and contributions to the court of Macedonian King Antigonus II Gonatas.
The survival of Phaenomena is central to Aratus's legacy, with numerous commentaries by figures like Theon of Alexandria. Despite the text's corruption over centuries, it was revived by scholars like Grotius in the Renaissance and later Jean Martin, whose edition remains influential, as discussed in Review of Aratos: Phénomènes. The poem influenced Roman literature, with Acts 17:28 citing it, and it served as a precursor to works by Virgil and Ovid.
Critically, the Phaenomena was extensively admired in its time for blending scientific and philosophical insights, though its scientific accuracy was questioned by commentators like Cicero. The poem's exploration of themes like the Golden Age and its depiction of the goddess Dike are highlighted by Aratus on the Maiden and the Golden Age. Despite criticisms of its meteorological sections, the work's influence endures, with contemporary scholars continuing to explore its language and symbolism, as addressed by Plexed Artistry: Aratean Acrostics.
Contents
- Principal Works
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Essays
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Preface to The Skies and Weather-Forecasts of Aratus
(summary)
In the following preface to his translation of Aratus's Phaenomena, Poste briefly summarizes the poet's life and antique commentaries on his writing.
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Alexandria: The Epic
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Körte surveys the content of Aratus's Phaenomena, noting its widespread popularity in the classical era.
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The Popularity of Aratus
(summary)
In the following essay, Sale explores the reputation of Aratus's Phaenomena, discussing the work as a guide to the stars, an astrologer's handbook, and a poetic blend of science and Stoicism.
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Aratus on the Maiden and the Golden Age
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In the following essay, Solmsen discusses Aratus's depiction of Dike, the maiden goddess of justice, and his vision of the Golden Age in the Phaenomena.
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Plexed Artistry: Aratean Acrostics
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Levitan identifies three hidden acrostics in the Phaenomena that, he concludes, suggest the concepts of “subtlety, totality, and signification” which inform the literary aesthetics of Aratus.
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Introduction to Sky Signs: Aratus's Phaenomena
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In the following excerpt from the introduction to his translation of the Phaenomena, Lombardo remarks on Aratus's poetic vision and provides a structural outline of the poem.
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Aratus and the Cups of Menalcas: A Note on Eclogue 3.42
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In the following essay, Springer notes allusions to Aratus in Virgil's third Eclogue.
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Hellenistic Poetry: Minor Figures
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In the following excerpt, Bulloch recounts what is known of Aratus's life and writings.
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Aratus, the Constellation Bard
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In the following essay, Lovi explores the content and popularity of Aratus's Phaenomena.
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Other Poets: Aratus
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In the following excerpt, Hutchinson presents a detailed structural, thematic, and linguistic analysis of the Phaenomena.
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The Creatures
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In the following excerpt, Fowler describes Aratus's portrayal of animals, the Stoic worldview, and his indebtedness to Hesiod in the Phaenomena.
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Quoting Aratus: Acts 17,28
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In the following essay, Edwards considers the extent to which Saint Paul and Luke may have possessed first-hand knowledge of the Phaenomena of Aratus.
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Review of Aratus: Phaenomena
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In the following review, Lewis evaluates Douglas Kidd's prose translation of the Phaenomena, emphasizing its status as the new standard critical edition of the poem in English.
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Cicero's Astronomy
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In the following essay, Gee assesses Cicero's Aratea—a Latin adaptation of Aratus's Phaenomena—comparing two versions of the work and analyzing the symbolic and philosophical concepts highlighted in Cicero's strongly Stoic interpretation of the poem.
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Review of Aratos: Phénomènes
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In the following review, Plantinga compares J. Martin's French-language critical edition of the Phaenomena, with that of English translator Douglas Kidd, concluding that the two editions are complementary.
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Preface to The Skies and Weather-Forecasts of Aratus
(summary)
- Further Reading