Papyrus Roll In The Pullus By Catullus

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In the Catullus 1, titled Dedication, Catullus dedicates a papyrus roll to Cornelius. In lines one and two he uses distinctive words that give characteristics to the papyrus roll. The words he uses include: lepidum, novum, libellum, āridā, and expolītum. These words not only attribute to the physical form of the book, but also its content. Catullus describes his poetry collection in terms that refer simultaneously to the material object’s external structure and appearance and its internal material context. The first trait Catullus addresses is “charming” (lepidum). In regard to the external structure, Catullus implies that it is pleasant to look at. The book may come with a ribbon/leather tie. Also, it might be decorated with several