Exam Review Exam Review MetamorphosesMetamorphoses

A Drama Pro SpecialA Drama Pro Special

The Primary SourceThe Primary Source

Ovid’s Ovid’s MetamorphosesMetamorphoses

An epic poem of 15 books from Classical An epic poem of 15 books from Classical Antiquity (approx. 380 pages)Antiquity (approx. 380 pages)

Ovid’s peers: Virgil (parents probably Ovid’s peers: Virgil (parents probably weren’t too worried about his influence)weren’t too worried about his influence)

Content of the PoemContent of the Poem

describes history of the world from its creation to the deification of Julius Caesar within a loose mythico-historical framework.

recognized as a masterpiece of Golden Age Latin literature.

One of the most-read of all classical works during the Middle Ages

15 books of myths15 books of myths

Ovid: The ManOvid: The Man

Married 3 timesMarried 3 times Had 1 daughterHad 1 daughter Born March 20, 43 BCBorn March 20, 43 BC Banished to Tomis, on the Black Sea by the Emperor

Augustus. (8 A.D.) Died 17 AD at Tomis Many poems contain expressions of his grief at living in

exile. Died 17 A.D.Died 17 A.D. Now butterflies are named after him by sweet, teenage Now butterflies are named after him by sweet, teenage

actors in urban Canadian cities, right Sidney?actors in urban Canadian cities, right Sidney?

What does What does Metamorphoses, Metamorphoses, our our playplay, , mean?mean?

““In one sense there is no mystery as to what In one sense there is no mystery as to what the the MetamorphosesMetamorphoses is “about”, because is “about”, because the author tells us: it is about the author tells us: it is about metamorphosis, transformation, change.” metamorphosis, transformation, change.”

Oxford World Classics Ovid’s Metamorphoses translated by A.D. MelvilleOxford World Classics Ovid’s Metamorphoses translated by A.D. Melville

Metamorphosis: A Dictionary Metamorphosis: A Dictionary DefinitionDefinition

Biology .1. a profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of an organism, as from the caterpillar to the pupa and from the pupa to the adult butterfly. Compare complete metamorphosis.

2. a complete change of form, structure, or substance, as transformation by magic or witchcraft.

3. any complete change in appearance, character, circumstances, etc. 4. a form resulting from any such change.

Pathology . a. a type of alteration or degeneration in which tissues are changed: fatty metamorphosis of the liver. b. the resultant form.

Dictionary Definition of Dictionary Definition of MetamorphosesMetamorphoses

Origin: Origin: 1525–35;  < Neo-Latin 1525–35;  < Neo-Latin metamorphōsis metamorphōsis  < Greek  < Greek metamórphōsis metamórphōsis  transformation.  transformation.

See See meta-meta-, , -morph-morph, , -osis-osis

Related forms Related forms non·met·a·mor·pho·sis, non·met·a·mor·pho·sis, noun, plural noun, plural

non·met·a·mor·pho·ses. non·met·a·mor·pho·ses.

Synonyms = Synonyms = mutation or transmutation. mutation or transmutation.

Antonyms = Antonyms = stasis. stasis.

Theme of LoveTheme of Love

How is Love expressed in the play?How is Love expressed in the play?

Opening Lines of Opening Lines of MetamorphosesMetamorphoses

The opening lines of the poem:The opening lines of the poem:

““In noua fert animus” (Latin)In noua fert animus” (Latin)

My inspiration carries (me) on to new My inspiration carries (me) on to new things.” (English translation)things.” (English translation)

Opening Lines of our playOpening Lines of our play

““Bodies, I have in mind, and how they can Bodies, I have in mind, and how they can change to assume new shapes– I ask the change to assume new shapes– I ask the help of the gods, who know the trick: help of the gods, who know the trick: change me, and let me glimpse the secret change me, and let me glimpse the secret and speak, better than I know how, of the and speak, better than I know how, of the world’s birthing,and the creation of all world’s birthing,and the creation of all things, from the first to the very latest.”things, from the first to the very latest.”

How to study for the examHow to study for the exam

Review the Review the plotsplots of the five major myths of the five major myths in our play.in our play.

Know the character names, the events, Know the character names, the events, the lessons learned and the outcomes of the lessons learned and the outcomes of these five myths.these five myths.

Review the ThemesReview the Themes

Review the themes of the play and how Review the themes of the play and how they are expressed.they are expressed.

How is this theme expressed?How is this theme expressed?

Disobedience toward the GodsDisobedience toward the Gods

How is the theme expressed in the How is the theme expressed in the play?play?

Carefully review the plot of the myths.Carefully review the plot of the myths.

What lessons are learned about sin?What lessons are learned about sin? E.g. greed, gluttony or pride?E.g. greed, gluttony or pride?

What lessons learned are learned about a a sin, e.g. greed, gluttony, pride?

Theme of Redemption

Zimmerman has stated, "These myths have a redemptive power in that they are so ancient. There's a comfort in the familiarity of the human condition."

How does this play express redemption?

Motifs of Death and Love

Consider: Death, which is typically presented as an absence in Western culture is presented differently.

What messages are given about death in the play?

Genre Elements of the Play

How can we classify Metamorphoses as a play?

.

2 key features in genre classification

1. Non-naturalistic

2. Reader’s Theatre used to present a narrative text, like a

poem, to an audience rather than a typical play script;

relies on narrators.

Theme of Change and Setting

This theme of change is strongly tied to the reliance of the play upon which setting?.

Answer

Not only does the water change function throughout Metamorphoses, but water itself is described as "the most protean (lit: diverse or varied) of elements"

How does Love cause Change?

1. Midas changes from a noveau riche superfifical person to a humble person who travels to the ends of the world out of love for his daughter.

2. Alcyone and Ceyx are transformed into seabirds because of their love for each other.

3. Baucis and Philemon are turned to trees at the moment of their death so that neither must live without the other.

Final Thoughts on Love in the Play

Central to Metamorphoses is the changing power of love.

Mary Zimmerman herself states, "[Metamorphoses] makes it easy to enter the heart and to believe in greater change as well... that we all can transform."

Good Luck on your Exam

Read the play…again. Consider the plot outcomes of the play. Consider the themes and how they are

expressed in the mise en scene (acting, scenery, music, magic, images etc.)

Consider how the themes resonate with the audience today.

Bonne chance mes amis!