Analyzing Ovid's Metamorphoses

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Lost in Translation: Ovid, Amores #5

Ovid’s Amores, which were originally written in Latin, have been translated by many English translators in order to allow the enjoyment and understanding of his works in more parts of the world. Looking at translations from three different authors allows comparisons and contrasts to be made between them to allow light to be shone on the original ideas which Ovid brings forth in his Latin writing. A.D Melville, Catherine A. Salmons, as well as G.S Fraser have all translated Ovid’s Amores 5, enabling English cultures to see what Latin literature customarily used or show what the translator uses to input their own ideas into these popular works. These ideas from Latin literature as well as the translators …show more content…

Each of these names has a historical reference to the roman times in which Semiraimis was an Assyrian Queen who became associated over legends of time with being a romantic figure as well as being very well known for her powerful reign as Queen and the influence she had over her people as she provided the stability they needed. ("Semiramis.") Lais on the other hand, was a mere Corinthian courtesan, a prostitute with high-class clients, who was known for her astonishing beauty. ("Lais of Corinth."). Using these allusions of Semiramis and Lais, allows the comparison of Corinna, Ovid’s lover, to them, giving the ready the opportunity to paint a picture in the minds and imagine the pure beauty and perfection of such a woman. Corinna in many ways is viewed as a Goddess as she ‘appears’ in the bedroom, which is a Goddess like quality. In saying this Corinna is of a high rank which would only sub come to a man of similar status. Corinna is also used as an allusion in this poem as she is a representation of a Greek poet ("Diotima."), who was well known for her multifaceted and skillful writing as a poet. Ovid also uses this allusion of Corinna as a comparison to himself as a poet. If this woman will come to him in such a manner of love, then he must be worthy of such. In A.D Melville’s translation of Amores 5, Juno, also known as Jupiter, is mentioned at the end of the poem, “Jove send me more such afternoon as this!” (line 26). Juno is the God of the Sky, therefore in praying to him this request allows for Ovid to have hope for another such day as the one he had just endured. This allows for him to have wishful thoughts for the future, which for Ovid, is not only for another enjoyable occasion such as the one he had with Corinna, but also in hopes that he has many more successful poems such as

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