The following paper topics are designed to test your understanding of the play as a whole and analyze important themes and literary devices. Following each question is a sample outline to help you get started.

Topic #1

On one level, the Metamorphoses may be taken as a literal explanation of the origin of things; compare and contrast the Graeco-Roman creation myths with the Judeo-Christian Genesis accounts.

Outline

I. Thesis Statement: The Graeco-Roman and Judeo-Christian accounts of creation have numerous points suitable for comparison and contrast.

II. The Graeco-Roman creation myths as related by Ovid
A. The creation out of Chaos
B. The differentiation of things
1. Heaven from earth
2. Water from land
3. Air from stratosphere
4. Further subdivision

III. The Judeo-Christian traditions of creation as told in the Bible
A. The Creation in Genesis 1:1–2:4
B. The Creation in Genesis 2:4–2:25

IV. There are numerous similarities between the two traditions
A. Both show that the original chaos was changed by a creator
B. Both show that the creation occurred in stages

V. The two traditions also show many differences
A. In Graeco-Roman: the identity of the creator is uncertain
B. Judeo-Christian: God created everything

Topic #2

The Greek and Roman gods show many moral failings and lack of sympathy toward humans. Show examples of their behavior which appear reprehensible to us.

Outline

I. Thesis Statement: Despite the Graeco-Roman divinities numerous moral failings, such as sexual rapaciouness, adultery, and jealousy, the gods still kept their promises.

II. The moral failings of the Graeco-Roman divinities
A. Sexual rapaciousness of male divinities
1. Rape of numerous virgins by Jove, Apollo, Neptune, Pan, etc.
2. Indifference toward their victims by Mercury, Achelous, etc.
3. Deceit, lies, disguises in obtaining their objectives
B. Sexual rapaciousness of female divinities
1. Aurora’s pursuit of Cephalus
2. Echo’s pursuit of Narcissus
3. Salmacis’ pursuit of Hermaphroditus
4. Circe’s seduction of Ulysses and pursuit of Glaucus and Picus
C. Adultery by divinities condoned by other gods: Mars and Venus
D. Jealousy of rivals, vengeance on their families and whole cities
1. Juno’s cruelty to Jove’s sexual victims
2. Juno’s cruelty to family members and clans of Jove’s victims
3. Juno’s cruelty to others who displease her
4. Minerva’s jealousy and vengeance toward those who displease her
5. Minerva’s treachery, pretending to be Hector’s brother
6. Violence and rage of Neptune, with or without reason
7. Caprice of the gods, especially the Fates

III. The one rule which binds the gods is that they must keep their promises—even if by doing so they destroy the petitioner
A. Phaethon
B. Semele
C. Sibyl
D. Midas

Topic #3

The reasons for the metamorphoses are inconsistent. Some were inflicted on people or lesser divinities (nymphs, etc.) as punishments for some transgression, others out of spite; some were performed in order to rescue someone from danger. Some transformations occurred because they seemed appropriate to the person transformed; some seemed to have no good reason at all, and some metamorphoses were apotheoses, conferring divine status on a mortal. In addition, Ovid mentions changes in nature, requiring no special divine intervention. Give examples of each.

Outline

I. Thesis Statement: Transformations occur in many forms in Metamorphoses. Some are the results of punishments for transgressions. Other are the result of vengeful and spiteful behavior, and others are unmotivated and unexplained. However, despite there differences, they all prove the maxim: “Everything always changes.”

II. Punishments for transgressions
A. Sins or crimes committed out of wickedness
B. Transgressions committed in innocence or by accident

III. Gods acting out of spite, personal vendetta, jealousy, etc.
A. Divinities acting out of spite or pique
B. Divinities carrying out a vendetta against persons or clans
C. Gods or goddesses acting against competitors

IV. Metamophoses which were occasioned by unusual behavior, e.g., diving

V. Capricious, unmotivated, or unexplained reasons for changes

VI. Apotheoses of heroes as rewards for exceptional merit

VII. Metamorphoses requiring no special divine intervention; natural changes