SOURCE: "An Aspect of Epigrammatic Wit in Martial and Tacitus," Arethusa, Vol. 18, No. 2, Fall, 1985, pp. 187-210.
In the following excerpt, Plass evaluates Martial's obscene epigrams in terms of Freud's commentary on the function and effectiveness of wit. Plass calls attention to the way Martial manipulates syntax and word play to subvert codes of propriety, confound logic, and amuse his audience.
This is a free excerpt of 62 words. There are 5,194 words (approx.
17 pages at 300 words per page) in the full critical essay.
Read the rest of this Criticism with our Martial c. 38-41 - c. 104: Critical Essay by Paul Plass Access Pass.
