Don't Look Back: A Retrospective on Orpheus and Eurydice in Augustan Poetry
Location
King Building 341
Document Type
Presentation
Start Date
4-29-2016 2:45 PM
End Date
4-29-2016 3:45 PM
Abstract
In this study of three Augustan poets (Vergil, Horace, and Ovid) and their use of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, I delved into what each poet takes from the myth and how they transform and alter it to suit their own needs. Each of the three writes in a different genre of poetry, and each derives meaning from the base myth. Each subsequent poet takes from the predecessor’s work, alluding to and in some cases criticizing the others’ methods. This myth remains popular even today, obtaining its most well-known form from these three poets.
Recommended Citation
Sterling, Emma, "Don't Look Back: A Retrospective on Orpheus and Eurydice in Augustan Poetry" (04/29/16). Senior Symposium. 47.
https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/seniorsymp/2016/presentations/47
Major
Ancient Greek; English; Latin
Advisor(s)
Kirk Ormand, Classics
Jennifer Bryan, English
Project Mentor(s)
Christopher Trinacty, Classics
April 2016
Don't Look Back: A Retrospective on Orpheus and Eurydice in Augustan Poetry
King Building 341
In this study of three Augustan poets (Vergil, Horace, and Ovid) and their use of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, I delved into what each poet takes from the myth and how they transform and alter it to suit their own needs. Each of the three writes in a different genre of poetry, and each derives meaning from the base myth. Each subsequent poet takes from the predecessor’s work, alluding to and in some cases criticizing the others’ methods. This myth remains popular even today, obtaining its most well-known form from these three poets.
Notes
Session II, Panel 11 - Remake, Remodel: New Takes on Classic Representations
Moderator: Drew Wilburn, Associate Professor of Classics