Page 14 - Pliny Stylistic Notes

omnis aetas

hyperbole –underlines how the lagoon is fun for all the family / for everyone

piscandi navigandi atque etiam natandi

tricolon gives sense of the variety of activities people partake in at the lagoon

studio

word choice communicates real enthusiasm of the lagoon’s visitor

tenetur

when used of a desire, this word suggests total possession by an emotion –again indicative of the pitch of their enthusiasm

otium lusuque

juxtaposed to suggest how the boys love the lagoon in all its guises -for both its more strenuous and relaxing pursuits

his gloria et virtus [est] altissime provehi

grandeur of phrase created with the lexis of gloria and virtus(glory and manliness/courage), as well as superlative altissime–suggests it’s an arena in which boys prove themselves as men like battle

victor ille

continues the imagery of a contest / battle

longissime

another superlative elevates the achievement of the winning boy

litus ita simul natantes reliquit

balanced phrasing underlines the intense atmosphere of competition –it’s not just about how far you go but who you beat