Reading Notes: Ovid's Metamorphoses, Unit B

My second reading in Ovid's Metamorphoses took me a little deeper into some common Greek myths. Here are some twists to some of those stories that I considered as I read:  

Narcissus

I've heard Narcissus' story many times before and it's always interesting to me. Since the figure of Narcissus is so central to the story and it's a strong figure, I think he should have endured longer. He goes on to fade into a flower at the pool's edge, but in my ending, I might have him eternally lie on the grass looking at himself, with flowers growing up around him. 

Pyramus and Thisbe

I really like this version of the story, especially with the unique details like the lion and the veil. This story is almost overly dramatic, which I think makes it perfect for retelling (like the later story of Romeo and Juliet, it's a lot of teenage angst gone wrong). But I think a nice retelling of the story might mean a less dramatic ending in which Thisbe mourns Pyramus' loss, but moves on after his death. I've never been a fan of the ending where she kills herself alongside Pyramus, and I think it would be lovely and unexpected to have her survive.

Perseus and Andromeda

"Andromeda freed by Perseus." By Piero di Cosimo.
Source: Wikipedia Commons.

The most interesting part of this section (which includes a bit more of Perseus' tale) is the story of Andromeda and Perseus, which I would love to gender flip. I think the story would be even more fascinating if Andromeda, the descendant of the gods, saved Perseus, the helpless man in danger of being devoured by a sea monster. Some of these stories could use stronger heroines. I would also carry my retelling into the next story, which would tell of Andromeda's defeat of the monster and her marriage to Perseus.

Bibliography: Tony Kline, Ovid's Metamorphoses.