Essay On Ovid's Metamorphosis: Contemporary Gods

715 Words2 Pages

Contemporary Gods of Metamorphosis Ovid’s metamorphosis reads as a collection of mythical poems, describing the timeless battle between the gods and humans. The relationship between humans and gods is not just one of single sided adulation. The gods in the Metamorphosis are susceptible to the same errors in judgement and of living erroneous lifestyles just as humans. The only real difference between the two classes of beings is that one has direct power over another. The relationship is interesting because it mirrors modern day relationships between public figures and the public. Contemporary ideals and culture has led to the demise of a belief in gods that play a role in our day to day activities. For the most part religion has …show more content…

While they may not necessarily be heroes or perceived in a positive light, they are prone to more leeway in Society than most others are. The best example of this would be Bill Clinton, the president of the United States of America. His extramarital affair was a huge public scandal, but he received no punishment. Marion Barry, the mayor of Washington DC, was caught smoking crack on a surveillance film. He was re-elected several years later. What makes the example of political figures applicable is that they actually have power over the masses. While their power may be limited or checked, they possess the power to enhance or limit our freedoms. They are more equivalent to gods who answer to no one, but effect the lives of humans on a regular basis. Ovid’s characters often question the disparities between their own lives and the lives of the gods. The different set of standards they are forced to live by, while the beings they pray to do not live similar lives. The story of Byblis and Caunus tells of a sister who is in love with her brother. Byblis wonders why she can not nurture her love for her brother, when the "it is the gods themselves who wed their sisters: Saturn married Ops, his kin by blood; and Tethys married Oeanus; and he who rules Olympus married Juno." And Jerry Lee Lewis, a rock star from the 1950’s, married his 13-year-old

Open Document