Transformations In Ovid
Transformations from one shape or form into another are the central theme in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The popularity and timelessness of this work stems from the manner of story telling. Ovid takes stories relevant to his culture and time period, and weaves them together into one work with a connecting theme of transformation throughout. The thread of humor that runs through Metamorphoses is consistent with the satire and commentary of the work. The theme is presented in the opening lines of Metamorphoses, where the poet invokes the gods, who are responsible for the changes, to look favorably on his efforts to compose. The changes are of many kinds: from human to animal, animal to ...
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the great god to a shameless lover with his gold-tipped arrow of love. A transformation of sorts takes place when the Cupid’s arrow strikes Apollo. Apollo transforms from a bragging God who claims superiority over Cupid by saying, “You be content with your torch to excite love, whatever that may be, and do not aspire to praises that are my prerogative,”(p. 41) to a man possessed by desire. Despite his powers of strength and domination, the God of War is humbled by Love. A lesson is being taught to Apollo by Cupid. A weakness is spotlighted and exposed, and the role of Apollo is almost completely reversed. He is transformed from a figurehead of power to a crazed lover with no power over his love.
Just after shooting Apollo, Cupid strikes Daphne with a blunt, lead-tipped arrow intended to put love to flight. The first transformation of Daphne occurs at this point. Not by her own choice but brought upon by the arrow, Daphne no longer is interested by the ...
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The hope for his fruitless love keeps Apollo close on Daphne’s trail, and fear motivates Daphne to stay just out of reach. When Ovid tries to convey the intensity of the flight, he says, “He gave the fleeing maiden no respite, but followed close on her heels, and his breath touched the locks that lay scattered on her neck,”(p. 43) Finally, burdened by mortal exhaustion, Daphne prays to her father to deliver her from her torment. As the words leave her mouth, Daphne is transformed for the second time. Her legs become roots, her arms become branches, her hair becomes leaves and the transformation is complete. Unlike her first transformation, this time the ...
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Transformations In Ovid. (2007, December 15). Retrieved April 28, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Transformations-In-Ovid/75843
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"Transformations In Ovid." Essayworld.com. December 15, 2007. Accessed April 28, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Transformations-In-Ovid/75843.
"Transformations In Ovid." Essayworld.com. December 15, 2007. Accessed April 28, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Transformations-In-Ovid/75843.
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