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What do we learn about Catullus the man from the selection of poetry we have read
the poem repeats the word 'Attis' six times and this sort of repetition helps to convey the picture of a unique and morbid state of mind, by returning the reader forcefully and frequently to key themes. One of the many other descriptive effects Catullus employs is the use of rhythm to show such scenes of action, protracted physical effort and the breaking of misty white waves. For example in line eighty-six, 'vadit, fremit, refringit virgulta pede vago' is a staccato line that shows the fast action in its sound as well as in wording. A last example of Catullus' mastery of the Latin language is the way that he uses the choice of wording to convey the emotions of Catullus. In lines forty-four to forty-nine he gathers together the Latin words for 'mind', 'intelligence and 'emotions ('pectore…liquida…mente…animo aestuante') to convey the confused, sorting out process in Attis' mind when he woke up. To the unlearned eye, this poem might just be seen to be a great feat of literary skill and story telling, but in fact this poem does have a purpose too. Catullus belonged to a group of poets who wanted to rebel against the 'greats' such as Homer and Virgil and their huge epics. This is a poem that is completely mocking the efforts that those sort of poets wrote about and employs the skill of the language to add effects but also to add weight to the mocking of such people. Catullus is intellectually and stylishly 'taking the piss.'
So one can learn through this selection of poetry that there are a few sides to Catullus the man. He shows he has a loving side, although it has been torn with his thankless love for Lesbia, but while it is an important side to his personality, contrasted to his academic and intellectual skill and aspirations in is small in comparison. Catullus makes this clear on the first page of poetry; the poem is not about his love for Lesbia its his hope of being remembered as a 'great' for, 'more than one century.'