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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
So many familiar and enjoyable stories in this encyclopaedic collection of tales about physical transformations. I was surprised that Lucifer was mentioned, as I associated him with Jewish mythology, and I was interested in the proto-story of Romeo and Juliet. The stories didn’t have a lot of internal or emotional substance to them, but they had allegorical value and it was interesting as well as educational. I was surprised that the ancient Romans were so prurient in published books.
I found this to be ok. My main complaint is that the narrative shifts smoothly from one myth to another and the person or god to whom the narrative is directed changes without any indication from the narrator. Sometimes you get a transition marked by something like "meanwhile..." but more often than not it just transparently segues into the next myth and you have to figure out that the narrator and/or audience has changed.
Of bodies changed to other forms I tell.
Your certainly do, Ovid. Altough quite a large number of people end up as swans for some reason.
I have come across most of these stories in re-telling but having them all together in all their messy detail is stunning.
Your certainly do, Ovid. Altough quite a large number of people end up as swans for some reason.
I have come across most of these stories in re-telling but having them all together in all their messy detail is stunning.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Stephanie McCarter's translation of this book is a 10/10
Man, this had some crazy stories in it. Lots of morally questionable actions.
I have been utterly engrossed in this book. It honestly is a brilliant read. Written around 8AD I think it is fair to say that some of the themes are a bit…ummm.. unacceptable in the 21st century to put it mildly. Let’s just say that women do NOT have an easy time in this. But it is super easy to read and a lot of fun despite that.
I preferred the first 80% of the book, where Greek myths are told in easy chunks with helpful notes of all the names. I wasn’t so interested in the more Roman story of Aeneas, which makes me dubious now to pick up the Aeneid by Virgil.
As described in the summary on GoodReads the Metamorphosis is about transformation. But I think it is also about being silenced.. so many of the stories end with someone being unable to speak or communicate. It is really interesting… for example
Echo and Europa are not allowed to have a voice.
Battus, (the chatterer) was turned to stone for talking
Other quotes are:
‘The passage for words had gone; her neck was encased in stone’
‘His tongue was suddenly split in two like a fork. The words he wanted to utter failed to come out’
‘His final words were cut off as he said them… the sounds couldn’t find a way through’
‘Much as she wanted to tell it, her lips and her tongue were gone and she had no means of expression.’
‘Now I can say no more’
‘The voice went silent, the voice was lost and the words wouldn’t follow’
This is just a small example. I think this is interesting considering Ovids later life in exile where he too was effectively silenced. The frequency of this theme lessens towards the end of the book, where it transforms itself into almost a different book.
Philémon and Baucis is a wonderful story, an elderly couple who are content with what little they had and treated guests (gods in disguise) with generosity and curtesy. They are rewarded but remain humble.
Of course Orpheus and Eurydice who are separated by the death of Eurydice but found each other in the Elŷsian Fields after Orpheus too died.
I preferred the first 80% of the book, where Greek myths are told in easy chunks with helpful notes of all the names. I wasn’t so interested in the more Roman story of Aeneas, which makes me dubious now to pick up the Aeneid by Virgil.
As described in the summary on GoodReads the Metamorphosis is about transformation. But I think it is also about being silenced.. so many of the stories end with someone being unable to speak or communicate. It is really interesting… for example
Echo and Europa are not allowed to have a voice.
Battus, (the chatterer) was turned to stone for talking
Other quotes are:
‘The passage for words had gone; her neck was encased in stone’
‘His tongue was suddenly split in two like a fork. The words he wanted to utter failed to come out’
‘His final words were cut off as he said them… the sounds couldn’t find a way through’
‘Much as she wanted to tell it, her lips and her tongue were gone and she had no means of expression.’
‘Now I can say no more’
‘The voice went silent, the voice was lost and the words wouldn’t follow’
This is just a small example. I think this is interesting considering Ovids later life in exile where he too was effectively silenced. The frequency of this theme lessens towards the end of the book, where it transforms itself into almost a different book.
Philémon and Baucis is a wonderful story, an elderly couple who are content with what little they had and treated guests (gods in disguise) with generosity and curtesy. They are rewarded but remain humble.
Of course Orpheus and Eurydice who are separated by the death of Eurydice but found each other in the Elŷsian Fields after Orpheus too died.
Very rich telling, with lots of sideways references to other myths of Ovid's time. Loved how it often filled in parts of myths that weren't expounded upon in other major epics (e.g. Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid). A great balance between Callimachean and epic poetry.
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Metamorphoses by Ovid is a timeless and influential collection of mythological tales that masterfully explores themes of transformation, love, and the human condition. Ovid’s poetic skill is undeniable, weaving together stories of gods, mortals, and creatures that undergo fascinating changes, providing readers with both fantasy and deep reflections on life and identity. The variety of stories keeps the narrative fresh, and the exploration of transformation, both literal and metaphorical, resonates profoundly.
However, the text can be challenging for modern readers. The antiquated style and pacing may feel slow or disorienting, especially as the narrative shifts constantly between different characters and settings. For those unfamiliar with ancient mythology, the many references to gods and heroes can be difficult to follow, and some of the stories can feel repetitive or overly detailed. Additionally, while Ovid’s wit and creativity shine through, the tone can sometimes seem detached, reducing the emotional depth of the stories. The treatment of violence, punishment, and female characters may also be off-putting for contemporary sensibilities.
Ultimately, Metamorphoses is a foundational work in Western literature that offers both artistic brilliance and thought-provoking insights, but its style and themes can feel inaccessible or overwhelming to modern readers. Despite these challenges, I found it really enjoyable, especially when reading and comparing it to other works that it has inspired.
However, the text can be challenging for modern readers. The antiquated style and pacing may feel slow or disorienting, especially as the narrative shifts constantly between different characters and settings. For those unfamiliar with ancient mythology, the many references to gods and heroes can be difficult to follow, and some of the stories can feel repetitive or overly detailed. Additionally, while Ovid’s wit and creativity shine through, the tone can sometimes seem detached, reducing the emotional depth of the stories. The treatment of violence, punishment, and female characters may also be off-putting for contemporary sensibilities.
Ultimately, Metamorphoses is a foundational work in Western literature that offers both artistic brilliance and thought-provoking insights, but its style and themes can feel inaccessible or overwhelming to modern readers. Despite these challenges, I found it really enjoyable, especially when reading and comparing it to other works that it has inspired.