Poem II

To begin my analysis of Poem II by Catullus, I would like to draw a picture (above). In this poem, Catullus is narrating while watching someone. I'm going to assume that he is once again, watching Lesbia. He sees her with a pet sparrow; Lesbia holds the sparrow in her lap and allows it to bite her playfully. In his, shall we call it, "hiding place," Catullus fantasizes about playing with the bird too. Catullus feels that because Lesbia acknowledges the bird, it is special. This is similar to Poem 51, because the man talking to Lesbia "seemed to be like a god," to Catullus.

Once again, Catullus is feeling passionate about this woman he watches. Whether its love or just infatuation, his feelings are exceptionally strong! This poem's theme of love is a continuation of the tone and theme of Catullus 51, which we read previously. So far, Catullus has written solely about love and passion. It is probably too early to assume, but it seems to me that love is a heck of a lot important to this man. Catullus will do anything to be with his "bright-shining lady of love." If only more men were this romantic...yet a touch less creepy.