Table of contents; introduction; chapter one -- rhetorical background; chapter two -- some notes on theory ; chapter three -- early ecphrasis; chapter four -- hellenistic and beyond; chapter five -- ovid''s ecphrases; chapter six -- episodes of great artistic achievement; conclusion; bibliography; index
By first examining the origins of ecphrasis as a rhetorical trope, as well as its association with simile, the author provides an historical context on which to base a discussion of Ovid's own use of the device. Consideration is given to recent theoretical approaches to the subject, as well as to a selection of ancient texts that may have influenced Ovid's work. After this, a more in-depth examination of relevant passages within the Metamorphoses is undertaken. The author concludes by consid ..
