Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Punica of Silius Italicus, often regarded as being disconnected from the tragedies of Seneca (and pseudo-Seneca), reveals a remarkable intertextual relationship with these works through its use of Senecan themes, images and lexis. The Punica incorporates elements such as intense psychological conflict, fatalistic determinism, and the destructive power of emotions, particularly ira (“anger”) anger and furor (“fury”), which shape both the actions of the characters and the narrative itself. These elements and emotions reflect the tragic tone of Seneca, particularly in his treatment of fate, revenge, and the moral consequences of uncontrolled passions. The connection between the Punica and Senecan (and pseudo-Senecan) tragedy is evident in the programmatic episode of Saguntum, where rage and extreme violence, alongside the presence of supernatural forces such as the Fury Tisiphone, evoke several of Seneca’s tragedies. The symbolism of flamma (“flame”), present in the burning of Saguntum and in Tiburna’s self-immolation, as well as the figure of Hannibal, with his cruelty and defiance of the gods, evoke the tragic tyrants of Seneca, such as Atreus. By interweaving epic, tragic, and historical elements, Silius offers a profound reflection upon the human condition that is deeply rooted within the Roman literary tradition.
Author: William J. Dominik
Institutions: Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, University of Lisbon
Language: English
Topic: Classical Antiquity Studies
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415134173
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