The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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99-44 B.C.
Roman writer and philosopher who is remembered for his poem De rerum natura (On the nature of things). De rerum natura provides an exposition of the theories of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, a philosopher revered by Lucretius. The poem encompasses the main principles of the atomic theory, refutes the rival theories of other philosophers, applies atomic theory to the structure and mortality of the soul, condemns of superstition, and describes the mechanics of sense perception, thought, and certain bodily functions, the creation of the Earth and the heavenly bodies, the evolution of life and human society, and the horrors of the plague of Athens.