Literary immortality in Pliny the Younger's Letters I-IX

This thesis examines the letters in the first nine books of Pliny the Younger that focus on poetry, oratory, and history. Through his letters, Pliny creates his identity as a writer in each genre. His letters also portray the writing process and reveal the impact of recitations and literary friendships on a writer's work and career. Pliny believes that writers should work to achieve fame in their lifetimes and immortality after their deaths. Pliny's letters reveal ways to improve, promote, and celebrate emerging and established authors, while providing a tribute to Pliny himself. In addition to serving as a vehicle of communication and encouragement for writers, letters become another genre through which writers can aspire to fame.