Introduction
Tibullus, a Roman elegiac poet, offers a profound reflection on simple living, the rejection of war, and the value of tranquility in his poetry. Specifically, in Elegy 1 of Book 1, he lays out a manifesto for a world in which serenity takes precedence over power, riches, and the turbulence of politics. His vision of life is rooted in peacefulness, with a clear preference for the quietude of rural existence. This theme aligns with the works of Greek authors like Aristophanes and Theocritus, who also emphasize peace, nature, and the escape from conflict.
1. Critique of Wealth and Power
The opening lines of Tibullus' elegy immediately present his critique of wealth and the pursuit of power. “Others accumulate for themselves rich gold, and possess many acres of cultivated land” (vv. 1-2), the poet writes, pointing out that such wealth comes with a price. The fear of enemies and the constant threat of war haunt those who live in pursuit of material gain. The lines “they will be haunted by the constant fear of a nearby enemy, and the trumpet of war will rob them of their sleep.” (vv. 3-4) reflect the insecurity that wealth and power bring. Tibullus, on the other hand, rejects this lifestyle, preferring a life of simplicity, “in his poverty” (paupertas), as long as he can enjoy the peaceful glow of his hearth (vv. 5-6).
2. Simple Life and Rural Tranquility
Tibullus’ ideal life is one of simple contentment, free from the demands of wealth. As a matter of fact, he seeks happiness not in material accumulation but in the tranquility that comes with a modest existence. In fact, the image of his hearth “always shining” (v. 6) symbolizes a stable and peaceful domestic life, which is sufficient for his happiness. “I want to live content with little” (v. 25), he declares, and he is satisfied with the basic necessities of life—“a bit of grain” (v. 43) and rest “on a familiar bed” (v. 44). The peaceful landscape he evokes, “ the shade of a tree near a stream of water” (v. 28), symbolizes the harmony between humans and nature, far from the chaos of the political and military world.
3. Rejection of Ambition and War
Tibullus also expresses his aversion to the hardships of travel, which often signify the pursuit of power or status. “I do not wish to be subjected to long journeys” (v. 26), he writes, rejecting the ambition that drives people to seek fame or fortune through war and conquest. Instead, he longs for the simple pleasures of nature, avoiding the oppressive heat of summer under the “shade of a tree” (v. 28) by a stream. Moreover, his refusal of war and its consequences is explicit in his disdain for “war banners and trumpets” (v. 75), which symbolize violence, conflict, and the greed that accompanies war.
4. Enjoyment of Nature and Love
Tibullus’ vision of tranquility extends beyond material simplicity to an intimate connection with nature and love. He delights in the simple joy of “lying down, hearing the fury of the winds” and holding his beloved close (vv. 45-46). This image of love and closeness to nature contrasts sharply with the tension and anxiety that come with wealth and power. Besides, the rain that “gently lulls” him to sleep (v. 46) further underscores the peaceful serenity he finds in the natural world and in his relationships.
5. Disdain for Power and Wealth
In the final part of the elegy, Tibullus makes it clear that he rejects the pursuit of power, wealth, and the violence of war. He proclaims, “In this, I am a good leader and a good soldier; / go away, war banners and trumpets – bring wounds / to the greedy men, and also riches: as for me, content / with my little, I will scorn the rich and hunger” (vv. 75-76). Tibullus’ ideal life is not one of ambition or military conquest, but of inner peace and contentment, symbolized by his modest possessions. Therefore, the choice to distance himself from the quest for wealth and power places him in a position of moral superiority, where he can live in peace, free from the disruptions caused by greed and conflict.
6. Connections with Aristophanes and Theocritus
Tibullus' worldview is part of a broader cultural context that includes Greek authors like Aristophanes and Theocritus, both of whom also explore themes of peace, nature, and the rejection of war and material ambition.
Aristophanes and the Rejection of War
Aristophanes, the great Greek comic playwright, offers a powerful critique of war in his play Peace (421 BCE). The character of Peace herself descends from the heavens in response to an earnest plea to end the war, which had ravaged Athens. Like Tibullus, Aristophanes presents peace not just as a political goal but as an ideal of life free from violence and conflict. The play ends with a celebration of peace, a return to harmony and communal joy. Aristophanes' portrayal of peace echoes Tibullus’ vision, where the avoidance of war and power leads to a more fulfilling, serene existence. Both authors dismiss the harshness of war and violence in favor of a life rooted in love and simplicity.
Theocritus and the Bucolic Life
Theocritus, a Greek poet of the 3rd century BCE, is best known for his Idylls, a collection of pastoral poems that celebrate the simple beauty of rural life. In his works, Theocritus extols the pleasures of pastoral existence, focusing on the contentment found in nature and love. Furthermore, like Tibullus, Theocritus idealizes a life removed from the stresses and competition of urban society. His poetry presents a peaceful world of shepherds and farmers, where happiness comes from modest living and a deep connection with nature. Thus, Theocritus’ vision is very much in line with Tibullus’ desire to live free from the burdens of power and riches.
7. Common Themes in Tibullus, Aristophanes, and Theocritus
What unites these three authors is their shared rejection of wealth, power, and war in favor of a simple, peaceful life. Aristophanes critiques the absurdity of war through his comedy, while Theocritus offers an idyllic vision of rural life, celebrating the joys of nature and love. Tibullus, in his elegy, expresses a similar sentiment: he values peace, love, and the tranquility of nature over material wealth and military glory. All three authors propose an alternative to the chaotic, ambition-driven world around them, one that emphasizes contentment, simplicity, and harmony with the natural world.
Conclusion
Tibullus’ Elegy 1 of Book 1 presents a vision of life that prioritizes simplicity, peace, and contentment over the pursuit of power, wealth, and conflict. His rejection of war and materialism echoes the sentiments of Greek writers like Aristophanes and Theocritus, who also emphasized the importance of peace, nature, and love. Tibullus’ poetry invites us to reflect on the value of a life lived in harmony with the world around us, free from the distractions and tensions of ambition and greed. His work remains a powerful reminder of the beauty and serenity that can be found in simple living, in contrast to the chaos and strife of the wider world.
References
1. Tibullus: Elegies, translated by Peter Green, Penguin Classics, 2005.
2. Theocritus: Idylls, translated by A.D. Godley, Harvard University Press, 1920.
3. Aristophanes: Peace, translated by David Barrett, Oxford University Press, 1964.
4. Fordyce, C. J. Tibullus: A Commentary, Oxford University Press, 1985.
5. Sykes, D. Theocritus: The Poems, Oxford University Press, 2002.
6. Storey, I. C. Aristophanes: Peace, Bloomsbury Academic, 2008.
