1. The Moral Decline of Roman Society: Juvenal lamented the loss of traditional Roman virtues and the rise of decadence, materialism, and hypocrisy. He targeted the wealthy elite, whose excesses he saw as contributing to this decline.
2. The Corruption of Power and the Abuse of Authority: Juvenal was critical of the ruling class, especially emperors and their officials, whom he accused of greed, cruelty, and incompetence. He pointed out the injustices faced by the poor and the manipulation of the legal system for personal gain.
3. The Hypocrisy of the Educated Class: Juvenal often targeted the "intellectuals" of his time, especially those who used their education to justify their own greed and ambition. He mocked their pretentiousness and their lack of practical wisdom, accusing them of being more interested in appearances than in genuine morality.
While these are the main themes, Juvenal's satires also touched upon specific targets like:
* The "New Woman": Juvenal criticized women who were independent, outspoken, and involved in affairs, contrasting them with the idealized image of the virtuous Roman wife.
* The "New Man": He targeted men who were effeminate, obsessed with fashion, and lacked traditional masculinity.
* The "Parasite": He scorned those who lived off the generosity of others and flattered the wealthy for their own gain.
Ultimately, Juvenal's satires were a scathing critique of the Roman society of his time. While he targeted specific individuals and groups, his main goal was to expose the hypocrisy and corruption he saw around him, urging his readers to consider the true meaning of virtue and morality.