n Acta Classica : Proceedings of the Classical Association of South Africa - Epigrammatic Psogos : censure in the epigrams of Palladas of Alexandria

Abstract

Palladas has long been recognised as an important exponent of the epigram. His particular brand of epigram is characterised by strong personal views and a sharply critical tone that are more to be expected in iambic than in epigrammatic verse. There are clear indications that he deliberately mixed the two genres, thereby extending the themes, language and function of the traditional epigram. This article explores the nature and scope of Palladas's invective in the epigrams by close analysis of the language.