Final answer:
The answer is d) Contemporary; Lament; Reflective. Aratus was a contemporary of Callimachus, both known for their refined and meditative poetry, drawing a contrast with the epic and romantic genres.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aratus was a contemporary of Callimachus, and another writer of lament, reflective poetry. The correct answer to the question is d) Contemporary; Lament; Reflective. These characteristics represent the poetic styles and genres that Aratus and Callimachus thrived in during their time, which is distinguishable from the epic and romantic forms that might be exhibited by other poets such as Virgil with his
Aeneid or Catullus with his lyrical love poems. The emphasis is on the nuanced, introspective qualities of poetry that seek to express complex emotions and moods, which can be reflective of personal or communal experiences, often mourning or meditating on significant events or themes.
In contrast to the grand narratives and heroic deeds that typify epic poetry, Aratus's and Callimachus's work focused more on refined expressions of emotion and considered reflection, which is typical of lament poetry. Their poetry did not cater to spectacle or dramatic exaggeration but rather a cultivated audience that valued the subtleties of language and the introspect of human experiences in life and art. These qualities are indeed reflective of a more contemplative and personal type of poetry that both poets are known for.