Theocritus Criticism
Theocritus, a seminal Greek poet from around 300 to 250 B.C., is often credited with either creating or mastering the genre of pastoral poetry, best exemplified in his Idylls. These poems depict a rustic world where shepherd-poets engage in singing contests and romantic pursuits. Notably, Theocritus's influence extends beyond his own time, profoundly impacting later poets like Virgil, whose Eclogues reshaped the pastoral tradition for luminaries such as Edmund Spenser, John Milton, and Percy Bysshe Shelley. According to S. F. Gow, Theocritus's work is marked by a distinctive use of dialects and poetic forms, although the exact chronology of his writings remains debated.
Biographically, little is known about Theocritus beyond his origins in Syracuse, Sicily, and his engagement with various literary traditions across southern Italy, Cos, and Alexandria. His work reflects both homage to and innovation within the Homeric tradition, suggesting varying degrees of success in securing patronage as noted in Theocritus and His Age.
The Idylls are categorized into bucolics set in the countryside and mimes set in the city, with critics often debating the authenticity and sequence of the poems. Despite this, the Idylls are celebrated for their linguistic novelty and thematic richness. The Bucolic and Pastoral in Theocritus and works by Thomas K. Hubbard explore how Theocritus transformed existing bucolic traditions, contributing significantly to the literary canon.
Critics often challenge Theocritus's work for its perceived artificiality and the subsequent decline into derivative pastoral poetry. However, defenders argue that his aim was not realism but rather the creation of a stylized poetic form. As J. Vara suggests, Theocritus's use of bucolic elements may draw on folk traditions, highlighting his innovation within established forms.
Furthermore, Joan B. Burton examines how Theocritus's poetry reflects evolving gender roles, illustrating the timeless relevance of his themes. Theocritus's legacy is evident in his crucial role in shaping pastoral poetry, a testament to his enduring influence on the literary landscape.
Contents
- Principal Works
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Essays
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Theocritus and His Age
(summary)
In the following essay, Lang discusses the legend of Theocritus, the influence Sicily and its shepherds had upon his poetry, and the characteristics of art during the age in which he wrote.
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An introduction to Theocritus in English Literature
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Kerlin discusses the scope and importance of Theocritus's work, its characteristics, and its influence on English literature.
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An introduction to The Greek Bucolic Poets
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Gow examines the history of bucolic poetry, summarizes the life of Theocritus, and discusses his use of dialects.
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Katherine Mansfield's Encounter with Theocritus
(summary)
In the following essay, Beachcroft considers the impact that the “XV Idyll” (known as the “Adoniazusae”) had on Katherine Mansfield's short stories.
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The Literary Background of the Idylls and The Influence of Theocritus
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Walker examines Theocritus's use of the herdsman-poet figure, his mixing of genres, his relationship to his contemporaries, and his influence and reputation.
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Bucolic and Pastoral in Theocritus
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Halperin explores Theocritus's use of pastoral poetry and discusses to what extent it is correct to credit him with originality in working within the bucolic tradition.
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Seeing and Feeling: Representation in Two Poems of Theocritus
(summary)
In the following essay, Walsh studies “Idyll 1” and “Idyll 7” for what they reveal about Theocritus's attempts to portray certain aspects of character.
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The Sources of Theocritean Bucolic Poetry
(summary)
In the following essay, Vara deduces that although Theocritus did not gather the pastoral details of the Idylls from real life, but from the writings of others, he can nevertheless properly be called the creator of a new type of poetry.
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Gender and Power
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Burton examines how Theocritus portrayed changing gender roles, the rise of feminine power, and gender ambiguity in his poems.
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Poetic Succession and the Genesis of Alexandrian Bucolic
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Hubbard focuses on the stylistic qualities that made Theocritus so influential on his successors.
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Theocritus and His Age
(summary)
- Further Reading