Morality
The Satires paint a picture of a society that is drowning in decadence as prostitution, corrupt politicians, law-bending legislators and elite sycophants run rampant. Juvenal criticizes some of his peers and Roman elites for forgoing their dignity and moral values by associating themselves with the lower class. They engage in immoral acts that blurred the line between the upright elites and the evils of lower class. Juvenal paints that moment in history as the first signs of a degenerate Rome that would eventually lead to inevitable downfall. The poems stress the importance of family in instilling the correct morals and virtues into the children of Rome for a prosperous future.
Roman Life/ Nationalism
Juvenal speaks of a nation that takes pride in its own people. It expels foreigners and empowers Roman citizens, mostly the elites. He rebukes and criticizes foreigners who come into their nation to exploit their resources and corrupt the minds of the Roman people. As a member of the elite himself, Juvenal was furious that their power was now falling into the hands of foreigners, who inadvertently refuse to uphold the traditional ways of Roman life.
Social Values & Class
The language in these texts lean more on conservative values and the traditional patriarchal order of ancient Rome. Juvenal highlights the corrupt values that seeped into the Roman way of life. He affirmatively shuns homosexuality and repeatedly upholds the patriarchy. Despite being an elite in society, he heavily critiques the rich for their unproductive way of life. Juvenal calls for more Romans to adopt the old ways of life by being farmers and loyal patriots who fight for their nation.