The Metamorphosis of Ovid

by Sarah Annes Brown

Ovid's "Metamorphoses" is one of the cornerstones of Western culture, the principal source for all the most famous myths of Greece and Rome, and a continuing inspiration for poets, composers and painters alike. This, inclusive account of this hugely important poem's influence on English literature, charts the reception of the poem over the course of six centuries from Chaucer's enigmatic "House of Fame" to Ted Hughes' "Tales from Ovid". As well as offering reassessments of works whose debt to Ovid has long been recognised, such as "The Tempest" and "Paradise Lost", Sarah Brown shows that Ovidianism is an even more complex and pervasive phenomenon in English literature than has previously been recognised, and may be found in the most unexpected places.

Genres: Classics, Poetry, Fiction, Mythology

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 1999

Reviews

[Susan]

In Metamorphoses Book VI by Ovid the tragedies that result from angering the gods are horrific. The detailing and way in which Ovid describes the scenes are my favorite part. Through the authors writing style I was able to clearly imagine the action in the play. However horrible the situations, the stories are captivating through the unique action that takes place. Through the tales in the book the gods aren’t portrayed as divine creatures that rule out of kindness but rather fear. The spoiled temperament of the gods was irritating to hear of at times but also enhances the indignation and possible message that the author is trying to convey. The mortals on the other hand were mostly pitiful and not very bright. This book provides a fresh look into the depth of cruelty that the gods were capable of. This book is definitely an interesting read and surprisingly vivid in detailing the cruel punishments given by the gods (159).

[Stacylynn702]

Anyone who is a fan of Mythology must read this. I go back and re-read stories often. It lets me get lost in a world of fantasy.

[Roman]

Good poems

[Juan]

Greek mythology with a Roman touch, beautifully written, makes you want to lear latin.

[Michael]

Wow, if this guy were alive today he would be living the BDSM lifestyle as a servant.

[Kat Strand]

j

[Nadia Carrim]

I actually am reading the translation by Charles Martin but I couldn't find his version. I love these stories! But I love them because of what they have begotten, not quite for what they stand for then.

I'd recommend this for anyone who loves old tales, and can put aside our modern ideals for a while to enjoy the stories.