So I read books 12-16 of The Annals by Tactius and haven't yet finished the Civil War by Lucan. But after reading these two we are suppose to come up with a thesis statement to write a paper about literature in the time of Nero. This is only a rough draft since we still have to read Phaedra (Seneca), Satyricon (Petronius) and Satires (Juvenal). But our professor said our thesis is bound to change as we read along but I was wondering can anyone help with me a general thesis statement or ideas that would include all this literary pieces?

I think your professor wants to know your thoughts at this point. Write a thesis statement now, based on what you've read so far. Then see if it changes as you read more works.

Certainly! While it may be challenging to come up with a final thesis statement without having read all the required literary pieces, we can still provide you with a general thesis statement and some ideas that could potentially include all the works you mentioned. Keep in mind that your thesis statement will likely evolve as you delve deeper into the literature. Here's a possible thesis statement:

"Exploring literature during the time of Nero reveals a complex interplay between political and social conditions, moral decadence, and the manifestation of human vices, as depicted in the works of Tactius, Lucan, Seneca, Petronius, and Juvenal."

Ideas to consider:

1. The representation of power and politics in literature: Analyze how Tactius's Annals and Lucan's Civil War reflect the political climate, the power dynamics, and the impact Nero's rule had on society.

2. Themes of morality and decadence: Examine how Seneca's Phaedra explores moral dilemmas and the consequences of moral decay. Compare this with the portrayal of indulgence and excess in Petronius's Satyricon, highlighting the cultural implications of Nero's court.

3. Perspectives on society and satire: Investigate Juvenal's Satires, which provide a critical assessment of Roman society, including social hierarchies, corruption, and hypocrisy. Discuss how these satirical works reflect and comment on the period of Nero.

4. Literary techniques and their significance: Analyze the writing styles and literary techniques employed by each author. Consider the use of rhetoric, poetic devices, and narrative structures to understand how these elements contribute to the overall themes and messages conveyed in the literature.

Remember, as you continue reading the remaining works, it's essential to revise and refine your thesis statement to accommodate new insights and perspectives gained from the additional literature. Good luck with your paper!