Language & Literature

Revenge of the Poet: Ovid Critiques Augustus through Myth
Ellen E. O'Leary
Dr. Bridget Thomas and Dr. Clifton Kreps, Faculty Mentors

In the midst of political intrigue and literary scheming, Augustus tried to restore order to the Roman world and attempted to solidify his power through a multifaceted propaganda program. He intended to link his image with the restoration of traditional Roman values that emphasized peace through war and a more strict interpretation of sexual morality. Ovid, a contemporary poet, challenged Augustus’ emphasis of those values in his work through mythic poetry. By using themes of violence, deception, and the discreet use of power in the retelling of certain classical myths in his Metamorphoses, Ovid sparks criticism that questions the ideology of Augustus’ reign as emperor.

Keywords: Ovid, Augustus, propaganda, myth, violence, deception, power, Metamorphoses