Latin 2003: Petronius
Study Guide for English Quiz on Petronius (Ruden),p. 1-17, 129-139
1. At the beginning of the book, what is the subject of conversation
between Encolpius and Agamemnon? 1-2
2. What does Ascyltos do while Encolpius is busy listening to Agamemnon?
How does Encolpius react? 5
3. Where does the old woman lead Encolpius? (It’s the same place Asclytos
is led by the old man). 5
4. How do you know when you are in a Roman “House of Ill Repute?”
5. Why is Giton upset? What did Ascytos do to him? How does Ascyltos
react to being accused? 6-7
6. What do they decide to do as a result of this quarrel?
7. What does Encolpius demand of Giton once they return to their room?
What does Ascyltos do when finds them? 7-8
8. Why do Ascyltos and Encolpius decide to BUY their ragged tunic back
rather than sue for it? 9
9. How do they finally get it back?
10. How do our Heroes react to Quartilla when she first enters their
room? 11
11. What crime did our heroes commit, according to Quartilla? What
does Encolpius promise, so as to stop her weeping? 12
12. How does Quartilla prepare for the orgy? What is Encolpius’ reaction?
13
13. How are our heroes “tortured” on page 16?
14. To whom is Giton finally married? How old is she? What does Encolpius
do during the ceremony? 17
Commentaries:
15. What was Petronius’ nickname? What does it mean? How did it apply
in Nero’s court? 129
16. Why might Nero have really enjoyed the Satyricon? 130-1
17. For what two reasons is it lucky that we have any of the Satyricon
left at all? 135-6
18. Why do modern-day scholars find the Satyricon particularly interesting
and helpful? (Give several reasons). 136-7
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