| Summary: | In the introduction an evaluation of the sources for a biography oi Tibullus is followed by a concise account of his life and circumstances, and of the main themes and characters of book I. The chronology of book I as a whole is discussed, and an attempt is made to establish the relative dates of the first books of Tibullus and Propertius. Finally,the theory that Tibullus was analogist is considered. The analyses of the individual poems begin with introductory essays. These contain references to all works of scholarship which have contributed towards the understanding of the particular elegy and which propound theories that deserve some mention, if only for refutation. The structure and background-situation of the poem are considered, and there is a detailed discussion of the main themes or genre with particular regard to the individuality of Tibullus' treatment and his personal contributions. The commentary on the text itself consists of remarks usually on a couplet by couplet basis, punctuated by sectional notes. The latter are concerned particularly with the relevance, content and structure of the individual sections of the poem. In the former remarks, textual points that substantially affect the interpretation of the elegy are considered in depth. Themes and motifs are provided with fuller parallels and references than previous commentators have supplied for greater elucidation and a better understanding of Tibullan innovations and variations. On points of vocabulary there is a full discussion of unusual or obscure words and phrases, together with remarks on the tone of the language and the part which the choice of words plays in the expression of ideas. Linguistic innovations and imitations are also pointed out. As regards metre and grammar the main emphasis is on a consideration of difficulties and abnormalities.
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