ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -He was not only an author himself but a personal friend and advisor to Augustus, and through him, Horace would meet the emperor. The young poet soon became a favorite of Maecenas, eventually giving him an estate in the Sabine Hills near Rome at Tivoli.

Detailed explanation-2: -In the early part of Horace’s career, his relationship to Augustus was mediated through Maecenas, Horace’s patron and a preeminent member of Augustus’ ‘cabinet’. By the end, Horace addressed Augustus directly in his lyric as well as in the Epistle to Augustus.

Detailed explanation-3: -Augustus asked Horace in 17 BC to write a ceremonial poem celebrating his reign to be read at the Saecular Games. In 14 BC, he published he second book of Epistles, which he followed a year later with his fourth book of Odes.

Detailed explanation-4: -Yet, before the hymn, Horace had already written the magnificent Roman Odes, numbers one to six of Book III-a great tribute to Augustus’ principate, perhaps the greatest political poetry that has ever been written.

Detailed explanation-5: -Horace is known for detailed self-portraits in genres such as epodes, satires and epistles, and lyrics. By offering a poetic persona who speaks to so many human concerns, Horace has encouraged each reader to feel that he or she is one of the poet’s circle, a friend in whom he confides.