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Pliny's Seneca and the intertextuality of grief
Hanaghan, Michael Peter
Hanaghan, Michael Peter
Author
Abstract
This chapter analyses how Pliny absorbs the consolatory philosophy of Seneca. It focuses on his intertextual use of two of Seneca’s epistles (98 and 99) that treat death, arguing that Ep. 98 looms behind Corellius Rufus’ decision to die (1.12), and that Regulus’ display of grief following the death of his son (4.2) echoes Seneca’s condemnation of improper mourning practice in Ep. 99. The allusions reveal Pliny’s opportunistic engagement with Seneca’s philosophical consideration of grief, agreeing and disagreeing with his epistolary predecessor depending upon the specific circumstances of the bereavement. Both his absorption and rejection of Seneca’s arguments show that he could engage and apply philosophical concepts to express his own grief or criticise other’s.
Keywords
Pliny the Younger, Seneca, Roman stoicism, intertextuality, grief, mourning, Regulus, Corellius Rufus, suicide
Date
2023
Type
Book chapter
Journal
Book
Intertextuality in Pliny's Epistles
Volume
Issue
Page Range
149-163
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry
Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
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Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
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Controlled
Notes
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023