Attendees: Nina Barclay
A. Paterculus
Summary: The event started a bit earlier than anticipated, around 1:45 p.m. rather than 2 p.m.
We had each brought our copy of the "Dinner at Trimalchio’s" scene, which was to be the major topic of discussion. Ms. Barclay’s version was The Millionaire’s Dinner Party, a Latin-language adaption by M.G. Balme; mine was an English translation which included the entirety of the Satyricon as well as Seneca’s Apocolocyntosis.
We discussed a number of points about the text, as well as the differences between the two versions. Some of the topics touched upon were: the various mosaics and frescos to be found in Trimalchio’s home, and their similarity with those examples of these art forms found in Pompeii; Trimalchio’s passion for astrology and a speech (present in the English, but not the abridged Latin) in which he describes the attributes of people born under various constellations; the reliability of the narrator, Encolpius; and the (relatively) benign treatment to which Trimalchio, a freedman himself, subjected his slaves.
The discussion also wandered toward the Classics in general. Ms. Barclay recommended a number of items she had come across:
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New Pompeii by Daniel Godfrey - A novel in which a corporation brings citizens of ancient Pompeii into the modern world.Plato & a Platypus Walk into a Bar - A comedic exploration of various philosophical ideas.
Being Human - Not to be confused with the BBC or SyFy television series of the same name, this is a movie depicting short scenes from a variety of historical periods, including the modern day. In Ms. Barclay’s opinion, the Roman sketch was by far the best, and is worth watching both for the plot and the historical details. Robin Williams stars.The Aeneid Onstage - Specifically, this article.
Before Colour Prejudice - a scholarly examination of racial attitudes in the ancient world
