Catullus uses a sparrow in this poem as a symbol for his ideal relationship with his wife. He describes the bird as bringing joy and relieving his wife of a depression which she faces. Catullus is saddened that he cannot bring the same joy to Lesbia as the bird does. (“how I wish I could sport with you as she does, /bring some relief to the spirit’s black depression!”) The reason for this depression can be the do the unhealthy relationship Catullus has with Lesbia. The sparrow provides what he cannot.
Great Works of Literature, Spring 2017 (hybrid)
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