Transformations in Ovids Metamorphosis Essay - 1367 Words

Transformations in Ovids Metamorphosis Transformations from one shape or form into another are the central theme in Ovids 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 human, thing to†¦show more content†¦Upon encountering Daphne, Apollo falls madly in love with her. Overcome by Cupids arrow, Apollo sets aside reason and becomes engulfed by his hope of attaining his love. Before being transformed, Apollo would most likely have paid little or no attention to Daphne, b ut now, Apollo is overcome by his lust for beauty. Ovid compares Apollos love for Daphne to a flame in a brush. This metaphor used by Ovid is very effective. The change that goes through Apollo is very sudden and fast. The imagery of a flame rapidly spreading through brush conveys the idea of an almost violent change. The god is consumed with a desire for the girl. His chase is fueled by a hope to overcome the ultimate futility of his actions. He sees every part of her as beautiful, her eyes, hair, face and even speculates as to the beauty of her hidden regions. Unsatisfied by the sight of Daphne and wanting more than just a glimpse of her beauty, Apollo follows Daphne as a hound chases a rabbit. The hope for his fruitless love keeps Apollo close on Daphnes 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 secondShow MoreRelatedKafka s Metamorphosis : Transformation, Adaptation, And Death1034 Words   |  5 PagesIn Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis Gregor Samsa goes through a great metamorphosis putting great strain on his family. In Ovid’s Metamorphosis Daphne too endures a transformation. While Kafka’s metamorphosis is a metaphor Ovid’s is a myth. Even though these two tales are very different and are styled differently they go through the same steps of transformation. Both Gregor Samsa and Daphne experience the transformation, adaptation, and death. 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The power of love can be overwhelming in the sense of obsession or consumption of the whole self, resulting in destructive consequences for the victims of that power. The stories written by Ovid will be explored in the light of how the lack of trying to control the powerful nature of love will result in a transformation of the mind, changing sanity and common