Ovid's "Metamorphoses" as an Epic Poem

Paper Summary:

This paper applies the concepts in Horace's book, "How to Write Poetry", to Ovid's poem in order to demonstrate that the poem can be considered an epic poem. The basic rules established in Horace's book about epic poetry are discussed and then identified in "Metamorphosis". The paper contends that, even though Ovid deviates slightly from the accepted standards of epic poetry, there are enough of the elements of epic poetry in "Metamorphosis" to consider it an epic.

From the Paper:

"The use of Homer's work and indeed epic elements is most prominently exemplified in Book XIII, beginning with "Ajax and Ulysses and the Arms of Achilles". Here the element of speeches and debates is used while relating the story. Ovid uses characterization from post-Homeric traditions, and depreciates Odysseus, and furthermore relates elements from outside the scope of Homer's work. This is then evidence of the way in which Ovid uses his own creativity to fit the mood and purpose of the rest of his poem. He also does this with the monster Scylla, which he describes in his own enticing way."

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