Stadte in Ovids Metamorphosen: Darstellung und Funktion einer literarischen Landschaft

This study examines the representation and function of cities in Ovid's Metamorphoses using a spatial narratological method, showing that they are primarily literary landscapes rather than historical-political interpretations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2022
Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht GmbH & Co KG

In Ovid's Metamorphoses, not only figures undergo transformations, but the very human environment, including cities, is also subjected to change. This comprehensive study delves into the phenomenon of urbanity within the epic for the first time, employing a spatial narratological approach to examine the representation and function of individual cities throughout the work. With a particular focus on Thebes, Athens, Troy, and Rome, the study reveals that a purely historical-political interpretation of Ovid's depictions of the city would be misguided. Instead, the book suggests that cities should be primarily viewed as literary landscapes.

The study begins by exploring the spatial dimensions of the cities in Metamorphoses. It examines how Ovid constructs and portrays the cities as physical spaces, highlighting their geographical locations, architectural features, and urban landscapes. Through close analysis of the text, the study identifies patterns and themes that emerge in the representation of cities, such as their association with power, governance, and cultural identity.

One of the key findings of the study is that Ovid's cities are not merely static entities but are dynamic and ever-changing. The cities are portrayed as living organisms that grow, evolve, and adapt to the changing circumstances of their inhabitants and the surrounding environment. This dynamic nature of the cities is reflected in their representation as literary landscapes, where the physical and social aspects of the cities are intertwined and interdependent.

The study also examines the function of cities in Metamorphoses. It explores how the cities serve as symbols, metaphors, and metonyms for various themes and ideas throughout the work. For example, Thebes is often portrayed as a symbol of tyranny and corruption, while Athens is associated with democracy and intellectualism. Troy is seen as a symbol of the destructive power of war, and Rome is portrayed as a city of imperial ambition and grandeur.

Through its analysis of the representation and function of cities in Metamorphoses, the study sheds light on the complex relationship between literature, history, and politics. It demonstrates that Ovid's portrayal of the city is not merely a reflection of the historical and political context of his time but is also a commentary on the human condition and the nature of power and governance.

In conclusion, this study provides a fresh and insightful perspective on the phenomenon of urbanity in Ovid's Metamorphoses. It demonstrates that cities are not merely physical spaces but are literary landscapes that reflect the complex interplay between history, politics, and the human condition. By examining the representation and function of individual cities in the epic, the study offers valuable insights into the literary and cultural significance of urbanity in ancient Rome.

Dimension: 235 x 160 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783525311394