Literature: Relationships and Roman Society

Roman Literature: Relationships and Society

Family Relationships

Familial relationships were essential to Roman society and common themes throughout their literature.
The paterfamilias, or head of the household, played a prominent role in ancient Roman literary works.
Roman literature often depicted the paterfamilias as stoic, wise, and dedicated to the well-being of his family and household.
Women’s roles, as wives and mothers, were often emphasised, portraying their duty to produce heirs and manage the household.
Children were represented as dutiful to their parents, reflective of the Roman value of pietas (duty and loyalty).

Relationships between Friends and Companions

Friendship, or amicitia, was a critical theme in Roman literature, often embodying loyalty, mutual respect, and reciprocity.
Writings of influential Romans such as Cicero and Seneca provide evidence of the high value placed on true friendship.
The concept of dignitas (prestige or honour) often featured in friendships and the acquisition of political allies in Roman writings.

Romantic Relationships

Roman literature offers diverse views on love and romantic relationships, ranging from passionate love poetry (e.g., Ovid’s “The Art of Love”) to marriage-focused writings.
The concept of romantic love, as opposed to arranged marriages for political or social advancement, was often explored, particularly in the poetry of Catullus.
The literature of the late Roman Republic and early Empire sometimes presents female characters as objects of desire, or focuses on scandalous liaisons, reflecting societal attitudes and taboos.

Social Hierarchy and Relationships

The class distinction in Roman society is evident in its literature with each class - patricians, plebeians, and slaves, having distinct roles.
Patricians were often portrayed as political leaders and influential figures, while plebeians were depicted as ordinary citizens or soldiers.
Slaves were usually presented as a symbol of status or wealth in Roman literature, reflecting their role in Roman society.
Literature was used as a medium to both reinforce and question the social hierarchy. For instance, satirists like Juvenal and Horace critiqued aspects of Roman society and the hypocrisy of the elite.