ABSTRACT
This final chapter considers the function of the Silvae in the creation and propagation of symbolic capital, which allows others to be recognized as distinctive, and further argues for the poet's centrality in the formation of distinction for both his addressees and, more significantly, himself. It is a testament to Statius' poetic skill that the people find such a range of addressees distinguished through exactly the same kind of stylistic and poetic techniques. A full-scale discussion of the issues surrounding the dates of individual poems and the published books is beyond the parameters of this discussion, and has been dealt with at length by other scholars. Here, Statius' poem offers suitable inspiration for recalling Severus' devoted friendship in a time of need (poetic competition), and thus celebrating the addressee in manner similar to the praise of certain friends the people find in Horace's work.
