Similes In The Punic War

Silius Italicus is a well known poet who had written about the Punic War. Majority of Silius’s writing pertained to poetry, similes, introduction of divine characters, and so on. Readers will focus on the many topics such as the impact and change that epic poetry has in the meaning of his stories, comparing historiographical versions, and biographical versions in previous readings. To begin with, Punica is an epic poem that was written by Silius Italicus. According to the reading, it mainly discusses the Punic War and Hannibal’s experiences in war. Epic poetry adds impact and meaning to this story by letting the author express their meaning in the stories. For example, Silius uses Hannibal as the hero and main character of his poem due to his victory over the two armies in Cannae. Hannibal is described as having many “advantages, capabilities, and cherished the mind of the hatred his father had led him to believe of the Romans” (Cornelius Nepos, pg 1.)

Silius’s writing focused more on having many notable heroes within his stories. In addition, this encouraged Silius to reflect on the many important characters his poems presented, as well as providing similes to his stories. For example, according to Punica II, “To honor the dead- the shield, the sword dreaded by those who had felt it, the rods and axes taken in the battle, broken now but once a badge of power that all men fear.” (pg 91) This line is a simile that represents the important object used in war towards the