Source edition
Lucian, Vol. 6. Kilburn, Kenneth, editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1959 (unrenewed copyright).
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a satirical dialogue and epistolary piece set during the winter festival of Saturnalia, humorously addressing the social issue of inequality between the rich and the poor. At the beginning, a priest dialogues with the god Cronus, discussing the meaning of the Golden Age and the origin of the festival, which leads to the promulgation of the "Laws of the Festival" to ensure equality during the celebrations. In the middle section, the poor write a letter to Cronus, accusing the rich of extreme disparity and unfair treatment at banquets. In response, Cronus consoles the poor by pointing out the anxieties and vanity of the wealthy life, while sending a letter to the rich urging them to share their wealth and treat everyone equally. Finally, the rich reply with complaints about the manners of the poor but ultimately agree to offer support under certain conditions. Through the lens of the festive reversal, the work sharply highlights the absurdity of wealth distribution and social class.