ABSTRACT
In this chapter I examine Statius’ appropriation of Lucan in Thebaid 1.114–164. I show that Lucan’s Caesar haunts the opening of Statius’ Thebaid, infusing it with diabolical energy and enhancing the theme of identity confusion. I also demonstrate that Statius’ engagement with Lucan often takes the form of a poetic rivalry. Moreover, despite the overwhelmingly sombre nature of Statius’ epic, I argue that he is capable of injecting playfulness into his poem by way of allusion to Lucan’s narrative. I aim to reveal that Statius’ allusive interaction with Lucan’s work is programmatic, sustained, and skilful, as he poses not just as an imitator of his Neronian predecessor, but as a competitor whose Thebaid ultimately outdoes the Bellum Civile.
