Reading notes, B: Ovid's Metamorphoses

Echo- I like that they took the personification of a word and made it define its own meaning in the story. Narcissus did as well. It also teaches a lesson. Although, I am not sure if these words came from the stories, or that these stories are explaining where the words came from?
Narcissus- I like the symbolism in how he feels, what he sees and the flowers they find the next day. The colors were repeated which I think helps keep the story connected throughout.
Pyramus and Thisbe- This was totally a less familiar Romeo and Juliet, I really like the whole star crossed lovers theme, but I always wanted a happy ending.
Mars and Venus- So essentially no one cared that Venus was having an affair because she was so hot and everyone wanted to be with her. I just feel bad for Vulcan. I would change it so he got the final jab in.
Perseus and Andromeda- The girl was described as being shy and having good manners in the presence of a man. Perseus also bargained for her hand in marriage in order to save her, which seems like a no brain-er. I also don't really fully understand why she was on that rock in the first place.
Perseus and Medusa- finding out why Medusa had snakes for hair was interesting. I am not too sure whether I like the whole story with in a story thing. I think I would be better at a straightforward narrative.

Head of Medusa

Wikimedia commons

Bibliography

 Ovid's Metamorphoses, translated by Tony Kline (2000)

Reading notes, A: Ovid's Metamorphosis

Deucalion and pyrrha- I like the line where it says "sea without a shore. I also like that Jupiter acted as though human life were of no consequence to him, as the Greek gods often did. I also liked that the stones spawned the re-birth of people. The earth represented the mother, where people come from, but also that people are strong, and more capable than we think.
Lo-Juno was vengeful as usual which I love about her, and Jupiter was ever so unfaithful as he usually is. I like that they use people as toys in their game, it is so unlike the gods that people worship today. it gives more freedom to the story.
Phaethon and the Sun- I liked how the hours, and seasons and so on were literally spaced, giving  a more visual representation of time and seasons.
Phaethon's ride- Stories like this make me angry. I am not a fan of people ignoring fair warnings.
The Death of Phaethon- I like that the planets take on more personification and seem to have feelings and thoughts. I really like that the earth is so motherly.
Callisto- I like that they use Jupiter and his wandering eye to start so many stories. He always uses a disguise to get the girls where he wants them.
Semele-I thought it was weird how the god Bacchus was born of his father's thigh, although I have read of another story I cant remember where something similar happened. I just really enjoy the freedom that these types of stories give the author.

Jupiter, and his lover

Wikipedia

Bibliography
Ovid's Metamorphoses, translated by Tony Kline (2000)