Metamorphoses

Power structures—divine as well as human—feature prominently throughout the poem. What is the overall role of power structures in Metamorphoses? Consider these questions as you reflect on the text to answer this question:

• What are the main power structures that appear in the poem?
• How do power structures impact the lives of people in the stories?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of power?
• How do power structures in the poem undergo metamorphosis?

Teaching Suggestion: This is a good opportunity to discuss Ovid’s relationship to the Roman imperial regime of his time. In particular, Ovid had a tense relationship with the Emperor Augustus, as he was eventually exiled from Rome. You might discuss the way Ovid represents Rome and the Roman Empire in his poem.

Differentiation Suggestion: English learners, students with dyslexia, and those with attentional or executive function differences might find sorting through the entire text to find evidence daunting. You might help these students pinpoint the most relevant sections of text to limit the amount they need to review or allow students additional time to gather evidence. If time constraints are a concern, students could work in groups to consider the power structures in 1-3 of the books listed and then share their findings in the form of an informal presentation or poster.