The Uses of Greek

This chapter focuses on Lucretius’ use of Greek. It starts by discussing tmesis as a Lucretian figure in which the influence of Greek may be discerned. It then moves on to a series of syntactical constructions in DRN which can be said to reflect Greek influence. It demonstrates that such constructions are drawn on by Lucretius especially in argumentative contexts where Greek is particularly relevant. The discussion of Greek words in DRN distinguishes between Greek words with Greek terminations and Greek words with Latin terminations; it outlines some ways in which this distinction may be significant for Lucretius. The chapter ends with an analysis of DRN 4.1160–9, on Greek as a language of endearment and delusion.