The force of example was a distinctive determiner of Roman identity. However, examples always rely upon the response of an audience, and are dependent upon context. Even where the example presented is positive, we cannot always suppress any negative associations it may also carry. In this study of the representation of certain central characters in Silius Italicus' Punica, Ben Tipping considers the virtues and vices they embody, their status as exemplars, and the process by which Silius as epic poet heroizes, demonizes, and establishes models. Tipping argues that example is a vital source of significance within the Punica, but also an inherently unstable mode, the lability of which affects both Silius' epic heroes and his villainous Hannibal.

About the Author
Ben Tipping is Assistant Professor of the Classics, Harvard University.

Reviews
This book will be required reading for those who study the Punica, Flavian epic, and the subject of exemplarity in general * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199550111
Author Ben Tipping
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 444g
Dimensions(mm) 224mm * 144mm * 23mm