Were Vergil's harpies menstruating?

• D. Felton ^[1]
  1. [1] University of Massachusetts, Amherst,
• Localización: Classical journal, ISSN 0009-8353, Vol. 108, Nº 4, 2013, págs. 405-418
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • This paper argues that foedissima ventris /proluvies at Vergil, Aeneid 3.216–7 should be read not only in its usually accepted context of the hunger motif prevalent in Book 3 (and beyond) but also in the context of ancient attitudes toward menstruation. The unspecified nature of the discharge and its source as well as descriptions of the polluting effect of the Harpies' touch have parallels in descriptions of menstruation such as that found in Pliny the Elder (Nat. 7.64). Such a reading would also be in keeping with Vergil's tendency to “monsterize” female sexuality.