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Diction In Ovid's Metamorphose

Decent Essays

Ovid’s Metamorphoses is an exceptionally written epic poem that is broken down into fifteen books. Throughout these books, tales of woe, danger, adventure, and love are told in a way that transports readers into the rich and exciting world that Ovid has created. In book three, the tale of “Narcissus and Echo” is told using beautiful diction and vivid imagery. The story is ultimately about a gorgeous man, named Narcissus, who toys with the affections of others, which leaves them completely despondent; and the sorrowful way that his fate takes revenge upon him. In the end, the tale of “Narcissus and Echo” demonstrates to its readers that love does not always lead to happiness, but instead has a disastrous effect upon one’s soul.
The tale of “Narcissus and Echo” starts off by telling us of a mother, Liriope, who goes to see someone with great prophetic powers named Teiresias. She asks the seer if her child will live a long life and he responds by saying, “‘Yes,’ he …show more content…

He started out as a selfish man who could not love, to a dejected man broken down by an extremely deep, unrequited love, to transforming into a lovely flower after his subsequent death. The transformations he underwent left him broken and depressed. Poor Narcissus’ was only able to love a reflection and never be loved by the one he craved most. An article titled “The Narcissus Myth in Spenser’s Poetry” states, “He dies with his eyes fixed on his image and even in the underworld continues to gaze at his reflection in the Stygian pool” (Edwards 64). Thus, not even in death could Narcissus be released from his eternal and oppressive torment. Perhaps this is a befitting end to a man who had broken so many hearts with such careless ease. Overall, “Narcissus and Echo” serves as a great cautionary tale to those who disregard and forsake the feelings of others and teaches its readers to be careful when it comes to

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