By Ruth Breindel, who taught Latin, Greek, Linguistics and Mythology at Moses Brown School for 30 years.
Who doesn’t love the Beatles? The similarities between their songs and Catullus’ poems are amazing; while they lived 2,000 years apart, their poetry endures forever. These 5 examples of corresponding poems/songs bring to life the poems of Catullus for students. Even now, the Beatles are held in high regard; showing their link to Catullus enhances both. Themes of love, betrayal and friendship are timeless and appear in the songs and poems. You can use a Beatles song (easy to find on the Internet) as you read Catullus, or at the end of all his poems. Have the students find songs that express these themes as beautifully as either the Beatles or Catullus. Bring life into the class!