Exam Review Metamorphoses A Drama Pro Special

The Primary Source Ovid’s Metamorphoses  An epic poem of 15 books from Classical Antiquity (approx. 380 pages)  Ovid’s peers: Virgil (parents probably weren’t too worried about his influence)

Content 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 myths

Ovid: The Man  Married 3 times  Had 1 daughter  Born 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.  Now butterflies are named after him by sweet, teenage actors in urban Canadian cities, right Sidney?

What does Metamorphoses, our play, mean? “In one sense there is no mystery as to what the Metamorphoses is “about”, because the author tells us: it is about metamorphosis, transformation, change.”  Oxford World Classics Ovid’s Metamorphoses translated by A.D. Melville

Metamorphosis: A Dictionary Definition 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.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. which b. the resultant form.

Dictionary Definition of Metamorphoses  Origin: 1525–35; < Neo-Latin metamorphōsis < Greek metamórphōsis transformation.  See meta-, -morph, -osis meta--morph-osismeta--morph-osis  Related forms  non·met·a·mor·pho·sis, noun, plural non·met·a·mor·pho·ses. Synonyms = mutation or transmutation. Antonyms = stasis.

Theme of Love  How is Love expressed in the play?

Opening Lines of Metamorphoses The opening lines of the poem: “In noua fert animus” (Latin) My inspiration carries (me) on to new things.” (English translation)

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

How to study for the exam  Review the plots of the five major myths in our play.  Know the character names, the events, the lessons learned and the outcomes of these five myths.

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

How is this theme expressed? Disobedience toward the Gods

How is the theme expressed in the play?  Carefully review the plot of the myths.  What lessons are learned about sin?  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? 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 Alcyone and Ceyx are transformed into seabirds because of their love for each other 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!