Catullus 84

Oh noes. Catullus is being a meanie again. D:

In poem 43, Catullus criticized a woman some percieved to be pretty because she was not actually so - at least, in Catullus's humble opinion. He openly made fun of her physical flaws, and even condemned the age he was living in for its incredibly poor taste. Catullus should really look up the meaning of karma.

He does the same thing in poem 84. Catullus blasts Arrius for thinking that he is doing something right when he is clearly not. Arrius pronounces his Hs in a way that is embarrassing, and instead of gently telling him that it just makes him sound more stupid, Catullus sharply mocks him for not understanding his own flaws. He cannot tolerate imperfection; according to Catullus, it is better to not do a thing at all then to do it wrong. Aiming for perfection is clearly not easy - however, Catullus himself should be reminded of his own wrongs. He is obviously not perfect either, for a person of true noble standing would not stoop so low as to sneer at others.