Textual Symmetry in Vitruvius' De Architectura

“Textual Symmetry in Vitruvius’ De Architectura.” LAT 380: Special Topics in Latin Literature (Vitruvius), Professor John Oksanish: Spring 2017.

This paper is so meaningful to me on so many different levels. In terms of content, it is probably the most sophisticated argument I have ever presented. In terms of writing style, I believe that it is the best paper I have ever written.

The main argument combines both of my areas of study: Latin and Writing. In De Architectura, Vitruvius notes the importance of symmetry (symmetria) and how it must be present in all works (omnibus operibus). I argue that the very text of De Architectura, albeit a written opus follows the guidelines of symmetry that Vitruvius prescribes for physical buildings. I closely examine Vitruvius’ definition of symmetria and then explain how that symmetry is achieved linguistically in his writing.

That is the easy explanation of it. The paper itself does get a bit technical with Latin terms, but I still encourage you to take a look at it. I believe I wrote it well enough so that anyone, regardless of Latin experience, can follow the argument. I made a conscious effort to employ elements that seemed common in the Classics discourse community, such as first person, hedges, and explicit signposts.

This paper was selected as one of the four undergraduate papers to be presented at the Eta Sigma Phi (Classics Honor Society) National Convention, and it even ended up winning the award for the best paper presented. As I have mentioned before, I do not think the content of this paper was particularly impressive, especially compared to the 3 other undergraduate papers. What I think did make it stand out though, was its use of these linguistic elements that aided readers in the progression of my argument, as well as how it conformed to the standards of the Classics discourse community.

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