Interaction between Bucolics and Georgics: the fifth eclogue of Calpurnius Siculus

The analysis of one of Calpurnius’ most innovative poems, his 5th eclogue, allows us to observe the poet in action and examine the ways in which he develops a new text through a very careful and selective use of models. It is clear that Cal- purnius’ main frame of reference is Vergil, not only the third Book of the Georgics, but also other parts of Vergil’s didactic work; thus, one can claim with some jus- tification that the Georgics are in general the starting point for Calp. 5. However, his dependence upon the Georgics does not prevent the poet from distancing himself from this work, since Calpurnius reframes within new contexts scenes and topics that Vergil distributes in various places throughout his didactic poem. It should also be noted that Calpurnius takes into account suggestions and linguistic usages drawn not only from Vergil but from other authors as well. From this perspective, the use of Tibullus as well as the various significant similarities between Calpurnius and Ovid are quite characteristic