The Sixteen Satires Study Guide

Juvenal, the narrator, complains about bad playwriting. Listing all of the immoral activities in the world, such as adultery and bribery, he does not understand why people waste paper writing different versions of mythological stories repeatedly. No one in the world can sleep easy because of all the interesting things in the world; yet, they rewrite mythology. Although his talent is wanting, indignation compels him to write poetry. It will take all of his human endeavors combined to create a book. Vice has never been more eminent. Money causes the deepest reverence with temples, yet they do not construct temples for it. (read more)