The Sixteen Satires | Characters & Character Analysis

The Sixteen Satires Characters

Juvenalappears in Satires 1-16

Juvenal is the narrator of all of the satires. He complains about bad playwriting, stating that the immoral activities of the world are much more interesting than rewrites of mythology. Although his talent is wanting, indignation compels Juvenal to write poetry; he decides to write about the famous dead. Juvenal condemns homosexuals and adulterous men and women. He prefers an honest eunuch. He is disgusted with cross dressing as well. He believes the rest of the world mocks Rome for breeding "pansies." Juvenal applauds Umbricius' decision to move to Cumae because the only way to remain a true Roman is to leave Rome. Juvenal condemns Crispinus as a monster without a single redeeming virtue. He also criticizes Emperor Vespasian for using the Privy Council for frivolous reasons. Juvenal is angry at Trebius for enduring Virro's insults; he misses the courteous relationship that used to exist between patrons and clients.

Juvenal...
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